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Church, Faith & Family

Writer's picture: Oconee Street UMCOconee Street UMC

by Donna Boggs

Dec. 12, 2024


Hebrews 12:2 He is the one who started this journey of faith. And he is the one who completes the journey of faith. He paid no attention to the shame of the cross. He suffered there because of the joy he was looking forward to.

How do I do church when my family doesn’t? 


This is a question I no longer ask myself but have done for many years. The time of Advent — reflecting on hope, peace, joy, love, and our savior's birth — has me digging deeper into my contemplative faith journey. I personally walk the path of believers among others who choose the same path. My church attendance and participation have waxed and waned through the years, but my faith is unwavering.


My family consists of my husband of 28 years and who practices his faith privately. His church attendance was mandatory throughout his entire childhood. He explained to me early on that his faith is not built or sustained around a weekly meeting in a building. I respect this opinion at my age, but I still miss having a partner at my side as I look around at couples in our church sharing what I think is our unique church experience. His church experience, as he explains it, is many years of active engagement in dedicated community service. Maybe I would feel the same way if I had that experience as a child.


My child and grandchild attended church with me until they reached their teen years. They then began, at the same age, questioning a doctrine at the church we attended that did not teach that fairness, inclusion, diversity, and love are core Christian values. I respected this as they each reached an age of expanding independence. Interestingly, their decision was 20 years apart as mother and daughter. I also pulled away from the church as I realized my own discomfort.


Then, I found the right church during the pandemic, in my 60th decade of life. My family has watched me grow to relearn Christianity and love attending Oconee Street UMC with like-minded believers. They have learned from afar that attending this church is a different, personal and private experience. Distance and family commitments often keep me away more than I choose. I walk my path of discipleship and church as an example to others around me without inflicting harm, guilt, or shame with their choices. My path is my own. Their path is their own. My prayers for all are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. 


Prayer: Lord, help us stop comparing our Advent season to any other family because we know you have ordained us for this family, at this table, and you have “good works prepared in advance for us to do” that are specific for us. We find meaning and joy in whatever life looks like because we trust Jesus for our lives. 


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