As you know, you don’t have to be a pregnant woman to have cravings. It can be a day when you’ve been busy for a period of time and there is a lingering desire in the taste-buds for something familiar, or something particular whether familiar or not. You might remember back in the day Sprite cashed in that desire. Or not. Doesn’t matter.
The point is the same way that there is a craving for that, in me heart, there is also a craving for Christian community. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not to say I’ve never had Christian community or don’t have any access to Christian community. It is to say that there is something in my heart that requires something particular, something familiar and yet not familiar.
There is something about some typical church gatherings that has much to commend it … and yet …
It’s something that’s been pestering me for over three years. You’re together, you do your bit, others do their bit, the function is functioned, smile, laugh, banter, too loud music, some food and then home … and yet …
Of course then I blunder into passages of scripture like the narrative of Ephesians or Philippians, a quick glance over the latter end of 1 Corinthians and the last bit of Galatians. As if that’s not enough I also get some of 1 John and 1 and 2 Peter, mix it with a bit of Romans and then bask in a long passage of Acts.
Furthermore I take in again the thinking of what did Jesus do. What was His mission? Who is His church?
I balance that to these years and my understanding and experience of church and I praise God for its expression in various ways … and yet …
I have a craving for Christian community.
Join me in finding out how that craving is satiated in the coming weeks and months as I go in search of Christian community …
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 
It’s so important to have a personal relationship with God. But you’re right. We need to worship as a community as well. Have you ever been to the Mormon church? You can find the nearest meetinghouse at http://mormon.org/meetinghouse/
I am with you all the way CD! This year I moved to Rising Brook in Stafford. For the first time in twenty years I have found Christian community. I have been with many different churches but the palpable sense of being shaped in the mission and purpose of God’s kingdom has been overshadowed by other things. Politics, personalities, performance, maintenance and money have taken priority over incarnating the life of Christ and focusing on his priorities. For the first time my family and I are in a place that welcomes us gladly as we are and sees the value of our faith and experience without putting tradition or preferred personalities before bringing the fusion of the Holy Spirit and listening to God. I look forward to your reflections and I hope that you find the community in which Jesus is first, last, and everything. Peace to you and yours in 2011 <
Martin!
Thank you so much for you comments. I am so glad to hear of your developments where you’re at and pray that experience begins to blossom for you and your whole family.
Sis Meaders!
Thanks for popping along and leaving a comment. Funnily enough I’ve not been to a Mormon meeting, but at present following extended conversations with some Mormons in the recent past I am not inclined to give it a go. Thanks for your comments though.
Sounds like you’re pretty set, CD. I won’t push you, but in your quest for Christian community, I recommend trying a Sunday service with us. 🙂 It’s truly a unique experience.
I hope all goes well in your search. It’s so nice to read of someone looking for more connections, in a world where fewer and fewer connections are made.