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Does your faith make a sound? How would you describe it?
Last summer, a group of women asked me if I would teach them to knit. It was kind of a surprise since I had only been knitting for a year and a half. So, we started meeting and knitting. Within a couple months, we had expanded to crocheters and any other form of stringy portable crafts. It was amazing how this group started out mainly gossiping during the times we would meet. Now, though, it has become a support group for all who attend. Also, in February, one of the women found the instructions for making knit and crocheted rectangles from the ends of skeins for Warm Up America. In less than four months, this group of women has turned out over 300 blocks which comes out to 5 adult size afghans, 1 toddler/small child, and 2 infant afghans. I guess the sound of faith created by these women is that soft click and swish of knitting needles as they knit love into each block.
Posted by: Randele (Dushore, PA)
Posted: 6/5/2007 8:25:39 PM
Congregation: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran
Great work, Karris. I really liked how you pulled motorcycles, faith and making your sound concepts together. It was easy to identify with, even though I don't ride. But I run, and I've found a similar acceptance at the races I run in and have developed a new circle of very good girlfriends who simply want to get out and run together.
I'm proud of you! I'm chairing a committee at my church that deals with education (from birth to adults..) and I can see many circles of these folks enjoying your story...I'll be forwarding the link!
Posted by: Heather (Ankeny, IA)
Posted: 4/4/2007 4:48:13 PM
Congregation: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
To Julee, who was feeling left out. A feeling like that is experienced I think by almost everyone in a congregation at some time. A congregation is just a huge family, you may have to listen to their opinions but you dont have to agree. If you have a parish nurse I would take this problem to her perhaps she could do a program on medicare, medicaid, and/or people with disabilites, focus your church family on how they can help people in the community with medical problems instead of being disparaging. If no nurse speak to your pastor about your feelings and ideas for a program. Your people may have forgotten we are here to help , or it may have started with only one person who has a gripe against the system but whose opinion is heard the loudest, dont be too discouraged, God has a plan, he needs you to implement it, Prayers coming your way. Kathy
Posted by: Kathy M. (New Smyrna Beach, Fl)
Posted: 3/18/2007 4:36:33 AM
Congregation: Trinity
The question in your title hooked me, and I greatly enjoyed the article. By asking questions, we learn - from and about one another. I'm going to use your article to move conversation forward at our church - we are in the call process and it's a great opportunity for us to choose the sounds and songs by which we build our future. Thanks for the encouragement to explore!
Posted by: Ann Maher (Bristol, CT)
Posted: 3/7/2007 8:49:55 AM
Congregation: St. Andrew
I really enjoyed this article. It made me think about "what my faith sounds like". I think that some time it is loud like a motor cycle but at other times it is as soft as a spring brezze. I am greatfully for God's gift to me and in me that allows me to have a sound that is different and unique to me, my family, friends and others I encounter daily.
Posted by: Denise (Jersey City, NJ)
Posted: 3/6/2007 5:20:33 PM
Congregation: Trinity
Julee--I made the choice nearly a year ago to leave the church I grew up in (I'm 42 yrs old), the same church my great grandparents built. A lot of ties to that old church, but I felt like an outsider. Everyone was always arguing over one thing or another, and it was like there was no harmony. A wise person told me to attend the church where I could make my best music to the Lord, because after all, that is why we go to church, to praise His name and thank Him for all he has done. I couldn't make a beautiful noise where I was at, so I made the change. It was not easy, but I now enjoy attending a church where they all seem happy to see me, and I am uplifted during the service and during the fellowship after the service. I can now make a beautiful noise unto our Lord, which makes me feel better as a person!
Posted by: Kara Renz (Rush Center, KS)
Posted: 3/6/2007 4:52:33 PM
Congregation: Hope Lutheran
Lately it seems to be croaking out small phrases. Our congregation has HAD a reputation of being an extremely friendly church.
However, some are now very vocal about social programs (Medicaid and such). I never expected to need the program but became disabled.
These people have made extremely disparaging remarks regarding anyone who uses the programs.
I find it very difficult to remember to concentrate on getting better and back to work and remembering "what is good, what is pure...".
Does anyone else feel left out of their church? Am I alone?
Posted by: Julee O. (Mason City, IA)
Posted: 3/6/2007 4:29:23 PM
Congregation: Withheld
I presented Rev. Laura Gentry's article "All who live in true joy" in your Jan. issue to my WELCA group. They enjoyed it very much. Is there a DVD or video of her laughter club available? Please let me know. Thanks, Brenda R.
Posted by: Brenda R. (Batesville, IN)
Posted: 3/6/2007 2:12:40 PM
Congregation: St. Mark's Lutheran Church
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