I started writing this post last Sunday, a series of hectic events, and computer problems has meant that I haven't been able to complete it until today, but it is still very relevant.
Those of you who were with me last night may not be surprised to find out that I didn't manage to get an early start this morning. This meant that I was going to be late for Church, I don't go to Church religiously, but when I can I do like to. When my wife left and I started my transition I had to change my Church, it took me a little while to find a Church where I was comfortable, and they were comfortable with me. By some strange co-incidence both Churches are called Christ Church!
Maybe not such a co-incidence since I am an Anglican Evangelical, and Christ Church is a popular name for evangelical Churches in the Church of England.
I have been very happy at Christ Church Beckenham, they are a warm, friendly and loving Church family, the building is very fine (although some modernisation of the halls would serve the community better), and there is a drive to build the kingdom of God in Beckenham. The trouble is that since moving there is a drive for me on Sunday morning!
This morning I wanted to go to Church but when I got to my car I realised that it would take me at least half an hour to get there, meaning I would be around 20 minutes late, I don't like being late, even though I often am, the alternatives were to miss out all together, or to go to my local Parish Church, which just happens to be called.... Christ Church.
Unsurprisingly this is an evangelical Church with a membership that reflects the local community, a very different community to Beckenham. I thoroughly enjoyed the service, although since it was both an "All Age" service, and a Baptism it was not typical. The preaching seems sound, the people friendly and accepting, and a Worship Team whose enthusiasm maybe outweighs their abilities a little.
I have been thinking for sometime that it was about time that I worship in the community I am living in rather than commute to a nice middle class community. I am just not sure yet whether I am ready to make this step. I will not rush into anything but contemplate prayerfully on this, it's not easy.
It has also made me think, I started at Christ Church Anerley CCA, then I moved to Christ Church Beckenham CCB, and now I'm contemplating a move to Christ Church Croydon CCC. Will my next move be to Dunstable?
This morning I visited CCC again, and was once again impressed by the enthusiasm and friendliness of everyone I met. When I say they reflect the local community I understand they have 26 different nationalities within the congregation, and that is my local community!
Those of you who were with me last night may not be surprised to find out that I didn't manage to get an early start this morning. This meant that I was going to be late for Church, I don't go to Church religiously, but when I can I do like to. When my wife left and I started my transition I had to change my Church, it took me a little while to find a Church where I was comfortable, and they were comfortable with me. By some strange co-incidence both Churches are called Christ Church!
Maybe not such a co-incidence since I am an Anglican Evangelical, and Christ Church is a popular name for evangelical Churches in the Church of England.
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| Christ Church Beckenham |
This morning I wanted to go to Church but when I got to my car I realised that it would take me at least half an hour to get there, meaning I would be around 20 minutes late, I don't like being late, even though I often am, the alternatives were to miss out all together, or to go to my local Parish Church, which just happens to be called.... Christ Church.
 |
| Christ Church Croydon |
I have been thinking for sometime that it was about time that I worship in the community I am living in rather than commute to a nice middle class community. I am just not sure yet whether I am ready to make this step. I will not rush into anything but contemplate prayerfully on this, it's not easy.
 |
| Christ Church Anerley |
This morning I visited CCC again, and was once again impressed by the enthusiasm and friendliness of everyone I met. When I say they reflect the local community I understand they have 26 different nationalities within the congregation, and that is my local community!
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