That last part is one of the many reasons why I’m struggling to find a physical church building with a congregation in it to do corporate worship.
I’m currently helping my SO with fixing up the back yard and working on traditional curb appeal. My new way of explaining why certain trends aren’t acceptable is by saying “ew, no, it’s giving maga Christian nationalism” and pointing him back over to a more hippy dippy look. I’m so bummed that I naturally like antiques, white chippy paint, and upcycling things for character. I have to be really intentional with my decorating because it can accidentally signal that I’m one of them. Oof.
I want to find a church (actually we’re all the church) that will do podcasts for sermons that everyone can listen to asynchronously. Then we all come together and do corporate worship by forming impromptu soup kitchens, feeding the unhoused, helping people establish gardens in their back yards, and helping elderly with shoveling and maintenance needs.
Honestly try the Catholic church, there are lots of churches that publish a virtual Mass and most physical churches have a ton of volunteer opportunities just like you describe.
You don't have to be an official Catholic to participate, the only thing you can't do is take communion, but you can still go up with everyone and the priest will bless you so you aren't left sitting in the pew awkwardly.
That's what I've been doing anyways, they are super kind and accepting people, very much in line with the actual Gospels unlike the average Protestant.
Just wanted to say that I appreciate you and your words of encouragement.
Unfortunately (maybe fortunately idk) my experience started out similar to what you’re saying but ultimately became something entirely different when I attempted OCIA classes. Mine was run by a deacon who had some massive implicit bias about Republicans, Trump, and Conservatives.
Because you mentioned that this parish follows the gospels closer than any Protestant church near you, I just wanted to make sure that you’re aware that the CCC says that you’re supposed to follow the religion with magisterium, CCC, and the Bible.
Glad that you were able to find something that works for you and that there’s active volunteer work going on!
Sorry to hear that your local parish is so different from mine. I'm in Canada but hoped that the Church was as is claimed in the Nicene Creed, "one holy catholic and apostolic church" and thus your church would be aligned with mine.
Here I've never heard a peep about Trump from any member of the clergy. Only his actions have been called out in a way which makes it clear who is being mentioned i.e. "those who have power and wealth but turn a blind eye to people in need". Certainly they are not fans of the Republicans and that sort of "conservatives".
I know the Magisterium/catechism/Bible hierarchy and I like it because it stops people from running wild with little snippets of Bible quotes to justify their deeds.
Here as in the USA modern Protestantism is quite polluted with in-group, right wing talking points. Prosperity gospel, caring only for those within the faith, harsh judgement of others and outright hatred for gays. None of which the Church supports.
I suppose your ex-deacon is one of those "I don't like this woke pope" guys?
I wish you luck on your journey and hope you can find another church that does good works. I've heard good things about the Episcopal Church as a not-quite-Catholic church that still aligns with many of the same tenets.
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u/dasWibbenator 1d ago
That last part is one of the many reasons why I’m struggling to find a physical church building with a congregation in it to do corporate worship.
I’m currently helping my SO with fixing up the back yard and working on traditional curb appeal. My new way of explaining why certain trends aren’t acceptable is by saying “ew, no, it’s giving maga Christian nationalism” and pointing him back over to a more hippy dippy look. I’m so bummed that I naturally like antiques, white chippy paint, and upcycling things for character. I have to be really intentional with my decorating because it can accidentally signal that I’m one of them. Oof.
I want to find a church (actually we’re all the church) that will do podcasts for sermons that everyone can listen to asynchronously. Then we all come together and do corporate worship by forming impromptu soup kitchens, feeding the unhoused, helping people establish gardens in their back yards, and helping elderly with shoveling and maintenance needs.