church.

Looking for a home church is a big deal.  I've been going to my church at home for around 11 years.  I've been praying that I'll find a church that feels like my one back home.  But maybe that's the wrong thing to pray for.  No two churches are exactly alike...especially when you are looking in a different country!

I have to admit, when I looked over the list of churches here I was a bit sad.  It seemed they were either Anglican, or a bit on the charismatic side.  Isn't there anything in the middle?

Last week and the week before I went to an Anglican church in the evenings, and I have to say, I kind of like it.  Sure, I'm not used to all the stand up, sit down, read the prayer, etc.  But the worship was good, and the message solid.  I even get the impression they are preaching through a book.

Last week I also went to a church that didn't have a head pastor, but a board of elders who took turns preaching.  Again, very different than my home church.

Today I went to a Baptist church, about a 40 minute walk from my house.  It was very small, maybe about 50 people in attendance, many elderly couples.  There were also a few young families, and maybe two other younger adults like myself.  Despite its smaller size, they had such a big heart.  I think I was introduced to just about every granny in the place, and the pastor's wife turned around and immediately upon introducing herself, invited me to come to have lunch at their house.  I went after the service with two other young people and a young couple.  The pastor's 4 kids gave me the grand tour, showed me their games, etc., and I showed them where I was from.  The two older girls were quite excited that I was somewhat close to Baltimore, and broke out in a quite spirited rendition of "good morning baltimore" from hairspray!

I have to say I felt very much at home, even though it was quite different on many aspects from my home church.  I may just go back next week.