things that are making you happy - Page 1679

I think in discussing interpretations, and also relating to the material and talking about lessons that you can take from it to improve your and other's daily lives is much more meaningful than chanting and motions and whatnot. I mean that has its place and some people use that time to relfect on things and that is fine, but discussion to me is much more useful.

One of the things I still listen to occasionally is the Christmas story, told from a different perspective. Namely, Joseph's.

One thing I've noticed in sampling different churches (it took MrsG and me a long time to find one we liked) is that there seems to be a trend toward focusing on small groups as the way to experience religion. They still hold the main service on the weekend, but that's sort of viewed as a way to worship and learn a quick lesson, while the small groups are focused on providing fellowship and real learning. I know this has existed before in the context of Bible studies and such, but this seems to bring a new depth to that concept.

I suspect this is because of the growing tendency to mega churches where Sunday worship is too packed for any real fellowship. Perhaps ironically, I don't generally like mega churches, but I do find the trend toward small group learning interesting and potentially beneficial. We aren't yet involved in a small group, so I can't say if it really is a good thing or not, but it does seem like an approach that could be more conducive to real reflection on, and study of, one's faith.

Great news! I'm sure it's a tremendous weight off your shoulders.

while i have never been to church before, what i enjoy most about my religious experience at shul/synagogue, and in general, is having both discussion type activities, and classes with open Q&A, and rituals, prayers and sermons. i find each one serves a unique purpose, and combined they allow me to grow spiritually, and to have an overall enjoyable religious experience and feel connected to my religion in a relevant and meaningful way.

not all shuls/synagogues are like that, and not everyone is looking for that. some people like it different, but that is what i look for. and im very happy that i have found it.

I checked out a lot of different shuls when I was young and still gave a damn about my religion, ranging from Modern Orthodox to some of the kookier flavors of reform and reconstructionist. A particular favorite was a local chavurah group that used ganja in the spice box for the havdallah service

i've never been to a shul before. i'd like to visit but i'm scared i wont understand a thing being said

my faith didnt solidify until i went to friday night fellowship in college. until then it was more so my parents beliefs than mine

Come on, Neil Diamond's newer stuff is awful.

I get a stupid amount of referrals from church. These Presbyterians are hard drinking and they divorce all the time. It's fantastic.

sounds great. what does your shul identify as? meaning, what almost meaningless adjective of judaism to they use so people can label them. i hate labels, but they do serve their purpose.

oh my !

it could be a nice experience, and depending on the place you may have no idea what is going on. best to go with someone who attends who can keep you informed of whats ging on. also, please make sure you go to a good shul. dont want you to have a bad experience.

^someday i'd like to go with you

lol. interesting. baptists are teetotallers and hate divorce worse than life (at least so far)

^^ id be glad to bring you. not as a missio-iser, i dont do that. just so you can enjoy the experience. ^^

http://www.styleforum.net/t/201646/funny-picture-of-the-day/3795#post_5823362

BTW most reform synagogues do the majority of the service in English, and when they don't there is pretty much always a translation provided.

I realize that understanding the prayers isn't necessarily the same thing as understanding what is going on, but don't worry, most of the people there don't know what's going on either.

Also not big fans of teh gheys.

I've always been thankful I was raised in a (socially) liberal church that emphasized charity. It laid a good groundwork. I echo other posters though, in that I find I get more now from just discussion with pastors and learned people than I do out of church service. There's a lot of amazing history and philosophy that most Christians (and non-Christians for that matter) never get exposed to. I also get a lot out of seeing older couples, happily married for thirty+ years, quiet about their faith, but strong in it nonetheless. The goodwill and duty to help others is really inspiring.

Was listening to Internet radio and skipped Goodbye to You (ugh) and You Spin Me Round came on. Nice rebound.