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I went to 3 different churches this past Sunday.

Image result for christ episcopal church williamsport paWhy does a guy who has lost his Christian faith go to three different churches on one Sunday?  For good reasons:

1. Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport
       I have been to this church once before for a Wednesday Eucharist service. I came because I know Veronica (Rector) and Kyle (Lay pastor).  I worked with them on a community mission/service project in Jersey Shore. I shared my faith transition with them and they get it and they accept me where I'm at. I came because the sanctuary is beautiful. Stone on the outside. Gold, brass, high vaulted cielings point your soul upwards. I came for the liturgy...it believes for you when you don't believe. I came for the choral singing...how I miss singing, how beautifully they shared their sacred sounds. I came because I needed to be an an affirming community, okay with doubts, questions, okay with homosexuals, okay with not worshiping the Bible.

2. City Alliance Church in Williamsport
     The above service was over at 10:45am so I walked to the church where our family has been attending regularly.  I came because I wanted to be with my wife and kids. I cherish that relationship and my time with them. It did my soul good to go and come home as a family.  I came because I've made several good connections at the church. I've shared my journey with several guys and they accept me as I am. I need community as a human especially during such a lonely time.

3. Lighthouse Wesleyan Church in Jersey Shore
     This is the church I pastored for 7 years up until this past July.  I came because JoAnn was having a birthday celebration. I didn't just come because they were having KFC though I will admit it was amazing! JoAnn was married to the late Bob Allison who was the first person in Jersey Shore I talked with during the hiring process 7 years ago. JoAnn is a gracious lady.  She has her stubborness from her generation, her age and her personality. But she is one of the most flexible and kind-hearted church ladies I know. I drank a Sprite and enjoyed coconut pie with men and women who had loved me and my family for years.  A few still called me pastor Joe and I loved it.  Not because I'm their pastor but because our connection is still there.

Three this week...not sure how many next week.

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