I just returned to the United Methodist Church.
To make a long story short, I had been going to either Methodist or Presbyterian (mostly Methodist) churches all my life. But when I moved from Indy back to Terre Haute back in 2006, I started going to a Catholic church there and converted in 2008, which I had been considering doing on and off for years. But I never felt quite at home there. When I moved back to Indy about a year and a half ago, I started attending a parish here, but felt that something was missing. I no longer enjoyed Mass and just felt frustrated. This morning I went to the Methodist church I used to attend when I lived here before (I even sang in the choir back then). I hadn't attended Mass in weeks, so I had lost track and didn't realize that it was Pentecost. The sanctuary was decorated with red banners and a red drape over the cross in the chancel. Because it had been more than ten years since I had last been in there, I did not recognize anyone. Still, the service was moving, and I know what John Wesley meant when he wrote of his heart being "strangely warmed." I'm so happy!
Granny M
(1,395 posts)I am a borderline Catholic, not happy with so much in the church. Was thinking of trying out a Methodist church close by. Are they a liberal denomination?
Brigid
(17,621 posts)Ordaining women? Yes, since the '50's.
Contraception? Yes.
Same-sex marriage? No.
Ordination of gays and lesbians? No.
We are theologically fairly conservative but open-minded. We believe in inclusiveness. We are varied in our viewpoints, as are our ministers, though I have yet to hear of one railing about the social issues that get the conservative evangelicals riled up. My church would rather spend its time and resources running a soup kitchen, a weekly farmer's market in summer (this neighborhood is something of a food desert, with fresh produce not being all that easy to find). We also have a ministry with trained volunteer laypeople who assist those dealing with grief or loss or a sudden crisis such as a catastrophic illness in the family. Work like this is what we Methodists consider important.
Methodist churches tend to be smaller than what you may be used to if you are a cradle Catholic; mine is somewhat unusual in that it is fairly large. It is also rather more ornate than most; with its layout, it could pretty easily be converted into a Catholic church. Most are smaller and more simply decorated than ours. After all, John Wesley used to preach anywhere and everywhere, and we practically invented circuit riding and the "tent revival."
And we Methodists have a reputation for lively singing too -- most Methodist churches have good choirs that do a variety of music styles. And we have hymnals full of the works of Charles Wesley -- even Catholics have been known to use a few of his more famous ones.
And diversity? We haz it. I saw whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians -- everybody. And there was an older gentleman in the pew in front of me who was from Haiti, of all places. He had apparently just celebrated his 85th birthday.
Check out http://www.umc.org/ for more. You can probably find a link to the website of that nearby church you mentioned, or just Google its name to find out more about that particular church.
MNBrewer
(8,462 posts)My parents still attend and are active in the church. They are very concerned about their future in the UMC given it's anti-gay stances. Schism seems unavoidable over this topic, to me and to them.
arely staircase
(12,482 posts)I am glad you found a spiritual home in which you can worship our Lord. Fundamentalism has done more to pervert His teachings than any devil imaginable.
God's Peace be upon you as you walk your path, doubt and all.
Brigid
(17,621 posts)I went back today. Not that many people were there, probably because of the race and Memorial Day weekend, but it was still great. We even have a woman pastoral intern!
Fortinbras Armstrong
(4,473 posts)Last edited Sat Jun 29, 2013, 08:15 AM - Edit history (1)
C S Lewis said -- I can't find where, and I did not write down the citation when I copied the quote --
the only job of the Church is to bring us closer to God. The buildings, the clergy, the liturgy, the sermons, the good works, all the busy activity, even the Bible itself have at bottom only one purpose -- to close the gap so that a single Christian kneeling in prayer can turn to God.
If Methodism can help you get closer to God, then it is clearly right for you.
Rowdyboy
(22,057 posts)Now I'm a die-hard Episcopalian but I still cherish my memories of the Methodist church. When my baby brother was murdered at the age of 29 in 1995 my mom's small congregation paid for his funeral. They were good people when I was a kid and I'm pretty sure they remain so today.
refrescanos
(112 posts)..es" actually expouses Repugs values... It has gotten so bad that I went to each church at one time just to worship. At the UMC, the layminister said "Damn Democrats" in adult sunday school classes.
Unfortunately, sometimes it depends on what part of the country you are in.
=-O
I do miss it...