Finally Joining A Church

Holder and I have been attending a Luteran church over the last year. We have finally decided to join! I am really excited because I have not been a church member in years. It is also the first time I have #1 been to a Luteran church and #2 reguarally attended a Luternan church.

I was skeptical at first because of my Baptist background. I don't know why I was skeptical because all of my past Babptist affiliations have failed. It is definatly a different experience, as Luterans take on a lot of the Catholic traditions. But they are by no means Catholic.

Baptist Service vs. Luteran Service - differences I have observed.

• Responsive reading. The pastor reads a line or two, then the congregation reads another line or two. Don't be caught without a booklet or you will be lost!


• 
  
  Communion every sunday. This symbolizes the blood and body of Christ. Real wine is used and you may sip from the community cup or dip your bread chip into another glass (definatly my choice as everyone at church has the flu)
  
  


• 
  
  The visual cross by hand when the pastor says the word Jesus and a + is found in the booklet. This symbolizes focus and rememberance of baptism. Completely optional.
  
  


• 
  
  Lent. Observed for 40 days and ends on Easter. This is for giving up something in your life that will bring you closer to God.
  
  


• 
  
  Baptism. Is usually performed on infants (2 months) as a symbol of God's grace. Baptism is supposed to be a learning experience over a lifetime. Adults can be baptised as well. Primaraly done by sprinkling, not dunking (however dunking is totally cool if need be).
  
  


• 
  
  It is OK to have a beer (or drink of choice). No more needing to have a third party sneak into the store to buy a six pack. No more lies told by the congreation. It is true that people of all denominations like to drink (not everyone, but some). So, at church work days, don't be surprised to see a cooler full of beer or to have a theology/bible study at a pub! I mean, it would not be wise to be 3 sheets to the wind, but no problem for moderation.
  
  

These are the only big differences. Of course, the Bible is the only book studied and referenced. Lutherans believe in only salvation by believing in the trinity. Also that works alone will not get you into heaven.

I have never been one to like to pick one denomination over another, because a Christian is a Christian. However, one must pick their own way. What fits one may not fit another.

I have seen and experienced differences in congregations and denominations, and must say that I am digging the Lutheran way. The people are not judgemental and are very structured, which I like. We fit in and feel very welcomed at the current church.

We have decided to join, and went to our first meeting today to learn about the Lutheran church. We are really enjoying it! So I will finally have a church to truly call home.

I know that I have been strayed from God for a while. I do know that he has never stopped loving me and I have not been damned to hell because of it. He is reaching out his hand, and I am grabbing ahold. I am also scared of where our world is turning, and it makes me sick to think about how God and Christians have been shunned out of our culture. I can not follow the crowd...I have to stand up for what I believe.