Church

I went to church this past Sunday for the first time in several years. The last time I went to church was before COVID, which disrupted everyone’s lives, and in particular social spaces and events. So, I had yet to attend a church in Humboldt County. I decided to ask for church recommendations through the Humboldt Moms Facebook group and received many replies, but for whatever reason, I was drawn to a church called Branches.

From what I gathered via their website and social media, Branches seemed like it had a youthful spirit and welcomed young families. I was definitely looking for a church we could enjoy as a family. This church moved into a new location over the summer, and I was able to check it out during this last weekend’s service. I went solo so I could get a feel for the space, the people, the pastor, and the childcare before bringing along the entire family. I left the service feeling very encouraged. They had a lovely space for the children, and I am so happy both kiddos will be together for the duration — it feels like quite the treat to have free daycare for an hour. Everyone I met was incredibly welcoming, and the space felt warm with Christmas decorations, as well as coffee and donuts to share. I enjoyed the worship and the pastor’s message and delivery.

I had written in a post earlier this year that I had “deconstructed” from Christianity. These past few years I have been questioning my faith, because for me, it’s hard to believe in something that cannot be proven with facts. My thought was Jesus cannot be the only way to God, what about the people who haven’t even heard of him? And the existence of God himself was questionable, considering how much evil and suffering there is in the world. How can God allow such terrible things to happen?

I’m still wrestling with these questions, and I am currently reading The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel, which I am hoping will tackle some of these questions (book review coming soon). But what I do know is I have found myself being pulled back into church. I think my recent deep dive into NDE content (mentioned in my recent post on The Veil) has played a part in leading me back down the path of reconnecting to my faith in God. Of course no one has the same experience, and there are many interpretations, but I do find them to be powerful testimonies of a higher power.

Again, is Christianity the only way to God? I don’t know that is the case, but what I am experiencing is a path towards peace that feels important and meaningful. I have always been searching for spiritual peace, and I have explored many different paths to find that. For now, this feels like the path forward to me, and I am looking forward to diving deeper into it. I am also looking forward to connecting with a new community of welcoming and loving people. I hope this will be an impactful gathering for our entire family, and I’m especially looking forward to the children getting to experience a new community as well.