In Bradenton / Sarasota?
Posted by TulipGirl | Under Christianity and the Church, In the Sarasota Sun, Theology for Girls Sunday Feb 15, 2009If you live in the Bradenton / Sarasota area, I’d like to invite you to visit our church, Hope Presbyterian (PCA).
When we first returned to the States from Ukraine, we were quite wrung out — physically, emotionally, spiritually. While the Lord was faithful, it was still a difficult time for both me personally and for our family as a whole. Part of that resulted in it taking a while before we were settled into a church “home.”
That home has become Hope. I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness, His guidance, His healing. Being part of the Body of Christ at HPC has been both a time of comfort, and yes, of hope.
Recently, some friends have been sharing about struggles they’ve had with church. . . moving and not having a church home, being in a church that has drifted away from grace and towards legalism. . . I’ve wanted to say, “Hey, come worship with us!” But since they don’t live locally, that isn’t so easy. On the other hand, many of my friends locally either aren’t interested in church or live quite a long drive away. Still, I decided it’s time to invite our friends, far and near, to come join us at Hope PCA.
If you want to know more about the church, feel free to browse the church website, calendar, and sermons. Or, visit the pastors’ blogs.
Grace and Hope,
TG
Our new home is Grace Church, PCA. (big sigh of relief)
Looks like a great family. We’ve just gone through a truly terrible time in our PCA church home of almost 15 years…one of those things you say ‘could never happen here’ did. But God has been gracious and we have grown individually and as a family…even found a new church home. One thing I’ve learned – pray for your elders every day! Blessings to you and your church. B.
I love your pastor’s blog, A! Keep meaning to add it to my bloglines.
Wow, that is kind of you, TG! I just may have to check this place out….
‘b’ makes a great comment. People do not sustain the church; God does. Pray, therefore, for those charged with giving oversight and leadership. We/they are so conscious of our grave weaknesses.
Everyone need a good church home. I’m glad that you’ve found yours.
Finding a church in which you can feel ‘at home’ is truly a blessing. When we left our lifelong church (offically, after being absent for two years) to join St. Thomas Episcopal, I was heartbroken, more by the very human reasons for our leaving. A church is God’s home and one way to accomplish His work in the world. But, it is run by humans with human egos, frailities and errors. Our new church is quite wonderful in many ways. It doesn’t feel like “home”, but it’s kind and filled with love. That’s good enough for now.
http://www.stthomascamdenme.org/
Ellen – happened to stop by and read this thread. Your words were encouraging to me…”It doesn’t feel like ‘home’, but it’s kind and filled with love. That’s enough for now.”
That’s how I feel about the church we’re in now. It doesn’t fit like a well-worn glove yet, like our old church. I’m not totally comfortable, I’m still a little gun-shy, I suppose, struggling to be brave enough to open up to new relationships after being hurt.
But, ‘kind and full of love’, yes, that’s what it is. And I know it’s a gift from the hand of God. I pray that I would have enough faith to receive it. Blessings. B.
i heard from another blog that you have a website or a link for free audio downloads of books? Can you share that with me? Thanks! Just found your blog and it’s fabulous and very encouraging!
Just took a peek at your church’s website and discovered why you like your pastor so much. He’s a Michigan State grad! And he should be feeling a little better since the football team is no longer a hopeless cause. :grin:
Glad you found a good church home. That’s so important. :smile:
Absolutely. Fall is fun again!