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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 31, 2015)
w o H o Choose T a Church WITH Selecting a church can be an overwhelming and often daunting task. If you are looking for a new church, visit several congregations. Attend services and fi nd the ones that most suit your spiritual needs. Go with a positive attitude, do some research and ask questions of the members. A church is a group of like-minded individuals who share a set of religious beliefs. The members of a church are often a community within a community, offering support, encouragement and assistance to each other. The church community worships together at set times but also learns together. Growing in your faith should be one of your main goals in attending church services. A church “home” can aid your spiritual life. When searching for a church, pray to God for guidance. Then determine what kind of church you are looking for. Is a formal setting important to you? Or are you looking for a less-formal, more modern church with energetic sermons? Will you be comfortable in a mega-church, or do you want a smaller, more intimate setting? Are you of a particular faith? If you’re Pentecostal, Baptist, Methodist, or Lutheran, fi nding a church that is in line with your beliefs and values will be important. Would you, instead, prefer a non-denominational, experimental church? Once you’ve decided what you want in a church, do some research. Look in your local newspaper, the Yellow Pages, online or drive around your city and see what’s out there. Most local newspapers have listings of services that can help you decide where to attend. Ask friends, relatives and co-workers what church they attend. Many people are happy to bring along a friend, and churches welcome guests. This is a particular benefi t if you are shy or uncomfortable in new situations; having a friend along can put you at ease. When you visit a church for the fi rst time, gather as much information as you Sunday Bible Study 9:00am – Sunday Worship 10:30am Wednesday 7pm - Midweek Family Connection Corner of 10th & Maple, Florence • 541-997-3533 www.fl orencecrossroad.org • email: offi ce@fl orencecrossroad.org Page 4 C ROSS R OAD A SESEMBLY OF G OD can. Speak to people sitting next to you, and speak to the pastor after the service. Take home any literature offered. Refl ect deeply after your church visits. Does the church’s statement of belief fall in line with your own beliefs? If volunteer work is important to you, you will want to fi nd a church that plays an active role in the community -- whether it is through soup kitchens, homeless shelters or even the local parks. Was the church you visited comfortable? Did you feel at ease when you were there, or were you itching to leave? Did the pastor hold your attention or did you fi nd your mind wandering? Knowing what is important to you and your family will help you choose the right church. Because worship and spirituality can be deeply personal, don’t feel like different members of the family can’t attend different churches. If you feel that God is worshiped and present in the church you’ve chosen, you know that you’ve made the right decision.
