From time to time we share a story from someone in our church family, in their own words. This week, Rachel.
I rebelled big time against all things Christian. That was at age 14 — I wanted nothing to do with God and lived without acknowledging him for the next 25 years. That’s how I know that my faith today is genuine, it’s mine, it’s not based on anyone else’s faith, and I love that.
Like so many people, in fact probably most people, I’ve had a fairly difficult life, the details of which I keep to myself these days. I don’t like to be defined by my past. Instead I enjoy the day to day and continue to daydream about the future. The difference these days is that I know that I am truly loved by God. It’s easy to say, it’s easy to write, but it’s not easy for a lot of people to believe, including me. When I forget, I just take a bit of time out for myself, go for a solitary walk and remind myself over and over just how Jesus literally died for me. That’s how much I’m loved.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was invited to give talks”
I couldn’t believe it when I was invited to give talks and lead at St Mary’s Encounter Service. That was five years ago now and I still can’t believe it. I do love to give the talk from time to time though. It’s when I really feel myself in God’s Spirit, talking to God’s people with words that he has inspired me to deliver. At last I feel I’m using the gifts that God has given to me.
I’ve always wanted to help people, to help them feel better about themselves, and what better thing to do than encourage them in their journey towards Christ? My utmost contentment, however, is getting involved with leading someone to Christ for the first time. It takes a whole series of people sowing the seeds, watering them, and finally watching that faith blossom and mature. To be involved in that quite frankly makes my heart soar.
“There’s something solid about St Mary’s”
I love St Mary’s. That’s quite a statement from someone who shunned all things church from a young age. St Mary’s makes me feel safe — it’s the warmth of the people and particularly the clergy. I also love the building itself, with the stained glass windows to gaze at each Sunday. There’s something solid about St Mary’s. It’s not going to disappear from one day to the next. There’s a very solid foundation, and for me, roots are incredibly important.
My friend originally invited me to come to Encounter when it started six years ago. She knew I was searching for something modern, easy going, without too much churchiness. She knew I couldn’t stand the socks and sandals image of some Christians and that I just wanted to be free to be the authentic me. I’m most comfortable in jeans, I enjoy wearing makeup and perfume and take care over the style of glasses I wear. This may sound vain and perhaps I am, but I absolutely need to be who I really am when I attend church. God made me the way I am and I’m all for embracing his blueprint these days.
My favourite piece from the Bible is Psalm 139, describing how we are all planned and wanted and known and cherished by God. We wouldn’t be here if God didn’t have a wonderful plan for us in life. When I say life, I mean not just this life with all its sufferings, but eternal life with him.
Two services, one Sunday
These days I tend to go to the main 9.30am Sunday service to accompany my elderly parents, who prefer the style of that service. It’s not so much for me, but to be honest I’m beginning to appreciate the reverence displayed there and I’m learning more about God and myself as a result. Then my parents leave and I stay on for Encounter, having had a chat with friends over a coffee at the back of the church between services.
Encounter is a smaller, more easygoing and free group. I enjoy the modern worship songs played on video, and now we have a live band beginning to form and grow, which excites me as it brings the whole church to life when I hear the harmonies. I also enjoy hearing from people who feel like sharing a faith-related anecdote, because it helps me get to know them better and understand any struggles or joys going on in their lives. Encouraging words are also great, as then I can really hear God speak through his people, and often they are personal messages to me. This is truly Encounter at its best.
Yes, I really can’t imagine life without Encounter, and when I have to miss it for whatever reason I feel a little emptier that week. That’s how important it is to me.
Encounter meets on Sunday mornings at 11.15am. Everyone is welcome — come as you are. More about Encounter.
