Yesterday I went to a Sunday evening service at St. Michaels in Southfield's.
so pretty.....
I'd had two previous experiences of this church, neither of which had been particularly pleasant. I must express that I don't blame this on the church. The first (most awkward and generally horrifying experience) was on the last day of my Alpha course, about 2 years ago, where they took us to this church. The minister deeply misinterpreted the audience and started talking about speaking in tongues and healing.
I was terrified.
My next, far less traumatic, experience was probably about a year ago. A friend encouraged me to go along for the Sunday Morning Service (pretty awkward) followed by talking to a member of the church staff (super awkward and I got super duper weepy).
Yesterday however, was lovely.
I think they key difference was *ahem* me.
I wasn't acting like the awkward "omg this is so embarrassing and weird" agnostic who didn't want to be there. Secretly hoping that someone else would do something to make me open up.
This time I agreed to go along with a friend without making a fuss. I sang along to the music (thankfully easy to pick up as I had obviously never heard any of it before), I bought along a pocket bible and made notes, and I really enjoyed myself.
I even went up to the front at one point, and when people put their hands on my shoulders I didn't freak the bejesus out.
I was really trying to not be selfish. I think that's what my relationship with God has always been before.
"What can God do for me?"
"How can you prove to me that God exists?"
Rather than just being open.
Yesterday I tried to go along and rejoice and learn for the sake of it, rather than looking for people or deities to fix me.
I really do recommend St. Micheal's to anyone who finds churches scary. The 6pm Sunday service is a nice small size (but not too small that you feel overly noticed) of students and adults and everyone goes to the pub afterwards! For more information their website is: www.stmichaelssouthfields.org
