Today will mark my one year anniversary of attending church.
One year you say? Yup, one year.
Let's discuss....
I grew up with parents that were raised in good ol' Catholic homes. Both were raised going to church every Sunday and got married in a church as good Christians usually do. However, when my parents were on their own and had children, they decided that church just wasn't the place for us. And by us, I mean their three children. Only once or twice in my entire childhood can I remember stepping into a church. And this was usually for a wedding, funeral or some other Christian event where I had no idea what was going on. I also went to church a few times in middle and high school with friends but I don't ever remember taking it serious or even sitting through a whole service without passing notes and chatting with friends. Horrible, right? Maybe so... maybe not.
At the ripe ol' age of 23 I decided to change this. I wanted to learn about this person above that everyone talks so much about and see what all the hype was about. This started my life at NorthRidge Church. A good friend of mine introduced me to this church and went with me a few times to get me comfortable with the whole Sunday church thing. After a few months, my friends went their separate ways and I started going alone. Even went to church for my first ever Easter services last year. Until then, I really didn't know what it was about. I always saw my friends giving up things for Lent and not eating meat on Friday's but I didn't get the point. I mean, really, did that stuff really matter?
Now I don't consider myself a Christian through and through, but I'm trying. I learn things new every weekend and read the Bible when I can (I even have an iPhone app that helps me with this). I ask a lot of questions and try to make sense of things that most people learned when they were eight years old in Sunday school. Basically I'm just trying to give this whole thing a chance... see if it's right for me.
So this leads me back to why I just adore NorthRidge Church...
1. Our pastor tweets AND blogs. Seriously, if that isn't cool I don't know what is.
2. They display God's word in a manner that is understandable and fun. Using art, theater and interactive ways (such as podcast and video) to reach people uniquely. This helps me to relate and learn in a better way.
3. They sometimes break out in Michael Jackson "Thriller" dances during worship...
4. They reenacted a Blue Man performance during a service one day. Not only was it awesome, but it was truly moving in the way it spread the message our pastor was speaking on.
5. And even during our amazing Glory of Christmas Play they have flying angels and a show that deserves to be in a huge theater.
Last but not least, I want to share this special video with you. It's the NorthRide Review from 2009. It's a few minutes long but it might give you some insight into why I love my church so.
(ps- I took this with my iPhone which is why it's so small and you see movement, sorry about that!)
9 ♥ Thoughts:
i know a lot of people that attend this church too and they love it. it's nice that there are churches that make mass fun and keep you interested :)
I used to attend a church that was very similar - and I definitely need a church presence back in my life! Thanks for inspiring me!
I'm glad to hear that you're at least trying out church! Most people don't even open themselves up enough to even go!
Now that sounds like an interesting church. I don't attend church, nor have I ever (aside from weddings, funerals, etc) and have always believe that I don't need to go to a place to show my beliefs. However, a church like this would definitely be a good visit - just to learn a little something new.
Your pastor is so cool... and I love that they really make the services interesting. They have adapted to the needs and preferences of the younger crowd.
It's great to know that you welcomed the presence of that person above. We may have different religions but the uniting factor is that person.
I am not a devout Christian myself but I believe in God.
Have a great day Jen! xoxo
Wow! It sounds like your church is really fun... :)
finding a religion that suits you is the hardest thing, i've dealt with it a lot. glad you find one you love!!
Hi Jenni, I don't go to church but I will say that NorthRidge seems very progressive. It certainly seems to make worshipping God entertaining and interactive, not nearly as dry and dull as the church services I was always used to.
this is so wonderful!
glad you've found a place to call home and is your own style. i absolutely love my church. its different and modern and fun!
love that your pastor tweets and blog! too fun!
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