Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sermon Sunday

One of the parts I hate about moving is finding a church. Typically the options are endless and it is hard to figure out even where to begin, however this move that is not the case.

We have three options for church here –– a Catholic church, a baptist church and a non-denominational church. While I grew up Catholic (Matt did not), I have been going to a different church for 15 years. Neither Matt nor I am baptist. So that leaves the non-denominational option. Now I probably should mention that I have been going to a non-denominational church for years so this isn't a bad thing for us.

Matt was a good boy and checked out Kobe Union Church when he was here the 3 months himself. He said the people were super nice, the pastor was good (h even went to dinner at the pastors house)and that there was a good kid's program.

Yesterday the whole family went. The church is located 3/4 of the way up one of the mountains. There is a shuttle to take you there from the train line. Walking up the hill is nearly impossible with kids and non-tennis shoes. The kids were in awe as we made the drive up the hill.

The church is an International church, with its primary audience being the expat community. However there are several Japanese families that attend. Everyone was super nice, the sermon was applicable and the music was current. The church itself is an interesting mix to serve all cultures and ages. It will be fine for the next 3 years.

After the service we went to Sunday School classes and then a new member lunch. We got to try Japanese curry and some awesome deserts. We learned more about the church and learned where we may be able to plug in at. I really could feel a pull in a particular direction, however I need to process it more before I talk about it.

Since the church is so far up the hill, the view is spectacular. I took a shot out the window, but sometime I need to take one from outside. You can see across the city, clear out into the bay where the shipping boats are coming in.


We decided to walk down the hill afterwards rather than take the shuttle. I don't think we will do that again. This is 1/2 way down the hill. Imagine the top.


The Sunday School lesson was about prayer. How we must pray not only for ourselves, but for others. When I got on the computer last night I had an email from a blogging pal. I hadn't been to her blog in a week from all that has been going on. Here is a post on her blog. A coincidence that read this when prayer was just the topic three hours earlier? I don't think so. Just another way God tells me that he has put us here and for a reason. I can't wait to find out what all he has in store for us.

5 comments:

~michelle pendergrass said...

God amazes me constantly with his "fingerprints" like this. I'm so glad you found a church that will serve well while you guys are there!

Susan said...

Glad to hear you found a church. I think UAE will be slim pickings as well. Do you go to church on Sunday? In UAE the work week is Sunday-Thursday with Friday being the holy day so people go to church on Friday. Weird.

Kimmber said...

Sounds like this church will be the perfect fit! Please tell me how travel acrossed the world and find the perfect church when i can't even find one in my own town??

Ang said...

OH Alexis..that is awesome!!! I am so happy for you all. Can't wait to see pictures and postings of your lives for the next 3 years..what an amazing journey God has in store for you all!!

Terri said...

I love that one of the first things you blog about is finding a church!