If you remember, we joined a new small group last fall when our church did the Not a Fan study. We hosted a small group here; you may remember that I was concerned about the leader chosen for our small group was the husband of a former BFF. My fears about being in a group with her were unfounded, but the group never seemed to “take off”. We lost 4 members after the first week (the meeting time didn’t work). Our leader preferred not to meet whenever we weren’t all able to make the meeting, so as you can imagine, that led to a lot of missed meetings. It didn’t take long before we just weren’t meeting … I thought that perhaps once we got past Christmas, we’d resume meeting. The two Thursdays after Christmas, we sat here waiting … and no one showed … no one bothered to let us know that they were not coming.
So after some discussion we are disbanding our group. Thankfully, another group is continuing to meet and had asked us a month or so ago to join their group; we are now free to join this group. I have been unhappy with our church for some time … in our desire to grow and reach out to newcomers/new believers, we seem to have forgotten the long-time members. I regularly expressed my desire for small groups for those in their 50’s-60’s, offering to host a group. Groups were established for the younger adults … nothing for us older folk. I pray that this group we’ll be joining will provide the fellowship and opportunity for growth that I’ve been missing. After balmy temperatures yesterday (the high was 68!), we are having a return to winter today. A major storm moved through the area overnight, and temperatures are plummeting today. Maybe I should have stayed with my dad a little longer. ha!
I was able to get some more hand quilting done last night. The hand quilting is my favorite part of quilting.
Our dog “goes under the knife” tomorrow. Right before Christmas, we noticed a small open sore on the side of her neck. We couldn’t figure how she could have hurt herself, but we had the vet take a look at it. Turns out it was a small tumor … the vet cleaned it up and we all hoped that it would “heal” up on its own. Unfortunately it didn’t and has gotten a little bigger, so a couple of weeks ago we scheduled surgery to remove it.
Praying for you, I know how you feel on both accounts the pet and church. I have been blessed to find a church that integrates the old with the young, the new with the old!
ReplyDeleteHope doggy recovers quickly. I attend a mega church. At first I was worried that I would get lost in the crowd, but there are so many groups things for every age and interest--some are Bible studies, some are social, some for crafters or scrapbookers, a book club, men's sports, all with a Christian underlying tone. I am so happy that God led me to this church.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if anyone remembers "Marriage Encounter" from the early 80s. It was a church based retreat (ours was through our Catolic Church) for a weekend to get in touch with your spouse. We were treated to this retreat in the first month we were married, which is really rare, by one of my bride's maids that was a close friend as well. The local "Encounter "group then came to the retreat the afternoon it was over to support the couple and invited them to join the "Encounter" group going forward, for monthly meetings. All good stuff right? Everyone in our Support Group divorced, even my firend. Terry and I are the only ones left.
ReplyDeleteHope your new group is better than the other one. I sure can't be worse. I do hope your poor dog does well with his surgery too.
Prayer requests here are being addressed, let's see what God has planned for you! I will pray, too, for a quick recovery and complete healing for the pup, poor baby.
ReplyDeletePraying for a speedy recovery for your dog!! keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteHoping and praying that the new church group better meets your needs. I'm excited for you!
ReplyDeleteAlso wishing your doggie a speedy recovery :)
By the way, the weather front that you are having today, is supposed to hit us tomorrow :( It's in the mid 70's today.
I hope the dog does well with the surgery, they are definitely members of the family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your small group. I heard you weather was getting cold and maybe some snow. I will keep you dog in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHope your pup does well with his procedure.
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