[Life] Christian Clubhouse (For Yashua/Jesus/Yeshua Fans or Believers)

[CelloX]

I think this should be okay to have! That is, if anyone has any interest in it!

Current Challenge:
What is your denomination or the one you were raised in?

 

[VisionofMilotic]

I think this club is really helpful one to offer people because with the pandemic churches are closed to many of us.

Current Challenge:
What is your denomination or the one you were raised in?

I was christened in a Presbyterian church as a baby. This was my father's denomination of Christianity, and what I was initially raised as. However, the services in his church didn't resonate with me very much as a small child. When I started becoming active in church was when I was 8 or 9, and would visit some of my mother's family during the summer. My mom herself did not identify as a Christian, she was closer to agnosticism at the time, but her sister was a progressive Baptist and missionary, and she really inspired me, and it was around that time that I got active in church. I went to church on Sundays, including Sunday School, enrolled in vacation Bible study and had a lot of fun. I loved God.

 

[CelloX]

I think this club is really helpful one to offer people because with the pandemic churches are closed to many of us.

Current Challenge:
What is your denomination or the one you were raised in?

I was christened in a Presbyterian church as a baby. This was my father's denomination of Christianity, and what I was initially raised as. However, the services in his church didn't resonate with me very much as a small child. When I started becoming active in church was when I was 8 or 9, and would visit some of my mother's family during the summer. My mom herself did not identify as a Christian, she was closer to agnosticism at the time, but her sister was a progressive Baptist and missionary, and she really inspired me, and it was around that time that I got active in church. I went to church on Sundays, including Sunday School, enrolled in vacation Bible study and had a lot of fun. I loved God.

Awesome! I consider myself more of a pentecostal nowadays. I had a really great experience visiting this apostolic church in Indiana, the pastor told me my first name, my address, my mom's name, my brother's name, my birth year, and gave me a message from God (Note: I didn't tell him any of that stuff!). It's even on youtube, so I go back to that video practically weekly.

I note that you said you loved God, do you still feel that way nowadays? I understand if not

 

[Roni]

Interesting club!

Current Challenge:
What is your denomination or the one you were raised in?

Everyone around my family circle are devout Roman Catholics. In fact, the Philippines is pretty strong in its faith, so it was the norm for us to go to church every Saturday or Sunday, pray the rosary whenever we visited grampa and granny on All Souls' Day, and have all the schools I went to commence campus wide prayers before classes or events.

I discovered the concept of atheism during my peak rebellious phase in my teens, and promptly switched to it. I mean, it made so much more science to believe in science, why devote my life to someone who I don't even have concrete evidence exists? This angered my family, but I didn't care too much at the time.

As my life went on, mom passed, struggles occured, and I found myself well and truly alone a lot of the time. I used to always have God to talk to and vent to when these moments arised, but now I was just a lonely non believer with nowhere to go. I felt so little. I felt so helpless. I felt so terrified.

I've since returned to my religion, but I don't think I will ever be as devout as my kin. These guys never miss a mass or a prayer, where I take things a lot more loosely. I still believe in God and His word, and I think... you know... shoudn't that be enough?

 

[CelloX]

Yeah! I think that should be enough. I have found that loving God just takes knowing who he is and his promises

 

[VisionofMilotic]

Awesome! I consider myself more of a pentecostal nowadays. I had a really great experience visiting this apostolic church in Indiana, the pastor told me my first name, my address, my mom's name, my brother's name, my birth year, and gave me a message from God (Note: I didn't tell him any of that stuff!). It's even on youtube, so I go back to that video practically weekly.

I note that you said you loved God, do you still feel that way nowadays? I understand if not

It's cool to hear how your beliefs have evolved. Mine have continued too as well. While it was a Baptist Church that was the gateway for me to explore my spirituality- I just loved how free and lively the environment was as a child, receiving the hand of fellowship, the baptism rituals, the singing and dancing, plays and pagents, exciting sermons, nowadays though I would say that I have more in common with the Moravian church.

I really enjoy the intimacy of this smaller, peaceful, quiet church, and the motto of expressing faith through action. When I participate in programs to feed the homeless and other charity work is when feel that I truly am part of something larger than myself, and understand in my heart the true spirit of Christianity.

That sounds like a very powerful and inspiring experience going to an apostolic Church, and meeting such a gifted pastor. That truly sounds amazing.

It's interesting that you should ask me this. I write this as someone who is rekindling their faith.

 

[icycatelf]

Though I've very rarely attended any services since the doors to my childhood church closed when my grandpa had to step down from pastoring, I suppose that Church of the Brethren is my denomination.

Unfortunately, I feel that a lot of churches teach what they've been taught and not what they've read, so I prefer to interpret the Bible myself. I was always taught about heaven, a paradise for the righteous, and hell, a place of eternal punishment for the wicked, but now I believe that what I was always taught was hell is actually hades or "sheol" and that it isn't technically eternal, and that hell serves a different purpose: to, after the final judgement, put an end to the "eternal" torture of those punished hades by consuming their very consciousnesses. I believe in God and Jesus but not that they're one in the same, that Jesus was neither white nor did he teach hate, that you shouldn't go out of your way to hurt others, and that you should pray for forgiveness if you've done something wrong/something you feel is wrong.

 

[Noblejanobii]

Ooh interesting club.

What is your denomination or the one you were raised in?
I come from a rather unique background in that I was actually raised in three different denominations at once! My mother is Catholic, my dad is Baptist, and I attended a Presbyterian private school up until the eighth grade. So I got taught a lot of very conflicting beliefs from a young age (i.e. Predestination in the Presbyterian church vs salvation by action in the Catholic church). I definitely vibed a lot more with the Baptist church when I was a kid but after the eighth grade it was like a light switch got flipped and I suddenly felt very alienated from that church. I can't really describe it aside from it being really uncomfortable to sit through the services and the music was just too overbearing, etc. It just didn't feel right. After that I felt a lot more at home with the Catholic church and that's where I've stayed since.

That said, because of my background and who I've been exposed to, I'm a lot more loose with my beliefs, I guess? The Catholic church has a lot of additional doctrines that shape the Church's official beliefs outside of the Bible itself, so I've taken time to research not just the Bible itself but also those doctrines in order to see the history of where they came from, why they exist, etc. It's allowed me to formulate my own beliefs that may not be 1 to 1 with the Catholic church itself but is still rooted in Christianity as a whole. I've also always been really interested in religions and spend a lot of time studying other faith traditions as well, which I think has also shaped my own beliefs.

 

[VisionofMilotic]

Since it's Sunday I thought I would give this clubhouse a bump.

So, how did everyone celebrate Christmas in 2020?

I have some fond memories of going to candlelight church services on Christmas Eve. Last time my aunt and uncle, who are on the church choir, performed Handel's Messiah.

This Christmas with the pandemic I didn't participate in any activities outside of the home. But I did get visits from relatives during the holidays and we exchanged gifts. I got a lot of practical things, winter boots, baskets of food and groceries, a dental hygiene kit.

On Christmas Eve night I took some time to myself to read from the Gospel of Matthew about the nativity. I also made a prayer of thanks for my brother who was diagnosed with cancer this year, but has responded really well to chemotherapy treatment.

I was with my mother for all of Christmas day, we listened to spirituals and Christmas carols, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, The Little Drummer Boy, Good King Wencelas. I cooked a big dinner, she made spiced wine, and we opened eachother's presents. She gave me very nice clothes and a doll-- I make and collect dolls.

My dad was out of town, but I called him on Christmas day to wish him a good holiday. I also had sent him a present- a book, and a Christmas card.

After Christmas I made a donation to Habitat for Humanity. I only wish I had more to give.

 

[Noblejanobii]

So, how did everyone celebrate Christmas in 2020?

Nothing major really. We had a zoom call with my dad's side of the family and streamed Mass but I think we mostly took the time to just rest. Since my mom and I currently both work for a Catholic church this time of year runs us ragged with preparations so we just wanted to open presents and destress while we could, haha.

 

[Roni]

So, how did everyone celebrate Christmas in 2020?

nothing religious related really. had some good food and opened a couple presents. it's the norm for the rest of my family to constantly go out in Simbang Gabi during this season though. it's when they go to mass at a reaally early time, like the break of dawn or so, for a couple days or weeks leading up to Christmas. i personally have always found that exhausting back when i joined them from 2016-2018. nowadays, like previously mentioned, it's down to personal prayers in my own time.

 

[Squirtlenator]

Great idea CelloX for starting this. We mustn't be ashamed of our faith and hide it. Our faith is a part of who we are. Embrace it and stand firm in God's word and truths. Non-denominational for me.

 

[VisionofMilotic]

I have had an intense time of it recently, and my household is in need of prayers. I was thinking as a Christian Clubhouse we could pray for one another in times of need. I would be happy to make a prayer for someone else too if you are at a difficult place in life, and pay it forward.

In November my mother had a neck and spinal surgery. 4 discs in her neck were herniated, and if she didn't have the surgery it could potentially lead to paralysis or even death. A truck driver wasn't looking where he was going and backed into her at a storage center when I was a little girl, and it disabled her. She's had pain and other medical complications ever since.

She came out of the recent surgery well as far as we know right now. The surgeons had to cut inside of her neck, and insert some plates inside of this region of her body kinda like a brace. She woke up from the surgery, and not everyone does, especially older patients with underlying health conditions. She breathes fine, the scar across her neck is healing nicely, she is able to turn her head and look from side to side okay, and her legs are looking good-- sometimes this kind of spinal surgery gives people mobility problems, but that didn't happen here. She is not having problems swallowing food as often as she did when she was first released from the hospital. So that is all good. She sees physical therapists weekly, and they see a lot of improvement. So I am feeling optimistic about her recovery at least. However, my mom has told me that sometimes the plates they put In your body for this kind of surgery don't take well, and it takes more time to know exactly how successful the surgery has been.In some cases It is necessary to perform surgery again. So she is worried understandably, because she is still facing some issues, she doesn't have full mobility back in both of her arms, and she still has pain, though it is way reduced in her shoulder region from what she says it was before her surgery. However, so far the doctors say that what she has reported is still in the normal range. She has recovering to do, and the time of this healing process can take several months, so this doesn't necessarily mean she needs to have corrective surgery on her spine again. Only time will tell.

Unfortunately, this isn't the only potential surgery she may need.When she was admitted to the hospital this fall they found a large growth on her pituitary gland. I thank the heavens that it was not a malignant tumor. However, even though it is benign because of it's size and placement it might still need to be removed. Where the tumor is located will place pressure on her optic nerves if it continues to grow, and could cause blindness. The neurosurgeons would have to do another type of surgery where they cut into her nose to remove the tumor. The doctors want to give my mom time to recover from her surgery last year, but this autumn they will look to see if the tumor has grown any bigger, and decide whether an operation is necessary.

I know my mom is scared, and so am I. if someone could send my family some prays for good health I would really be extremely grateful. Love you all. <3

 

[Squirtlenator]

I have had an intense time of it recently, and my household is in need of prayers. I was thinking as a Christian Clubhouse we could pray for one another in times of need. I would be happy to make a prayer for someone else too if you are at a difficult place in life, and pay it forward.

In November my mother had a neck and spinal surgery. 4 discs in her neck were herniated, and if she didn't have the surgery it could potentially lead to paralysis or even death. A truck driver wasn't looking where he was going and backed into her at a storage center when I was a little girl, and it disabled her. She's had pain and other medical complications ever since.

She came out of the recent surgery well as far as we know right now. The surgeons had to cut inside of her neck, and insert some plates inside of this region of her body kinda like a brace. She woke up from the surgery, and not everyone does, especially older patients with underlying health conditions. She breathes fine, the scar across her neck is healing nicely, she is able to turn her head and look from side to side okay, and her legs are looking good-- sometimes this kind of spinal surgery gives people mobility problems, but that didn't happen here. She is not having problems swallowing food as often as she did when she was first released from the hospital. So that is all good. She sees physical therapists weekly, and they see a lot of improvement. So I am feeling optimistic about her recovery at least. However, my mom has told me that sometimes the plates they put In your body for this kind of surgery don't take well, and it takes more time to know exactly how successful the surgery has been.In some cases It is necessary to perform surgery again. So she is worried understandably, because she is still facing some issues, she doesn't have full mobility back in both of her arms, and she still has pain, though it is way reduced in her shoulder region from what she says it was before her surgery. However, so far the doctors say that what she has reported is still in the normal range. She has recovering to do, and the time of this healing process can take several months, so this doesn't necessarily mean she needs to have corrective surgery on her spine again. Only time will tell.

Unfortunately, this isn't the only potential surgery she may need.When she was admitted to the hospital this fall they found a large growth on her pituitary gland. I thank the heavens that it was not a malignant tumor. However, even though it is benign because of it's size and placement it might still need to be removed. Where the tumor is located will place pressure on her optic nerves if it continues to grow, and could cause blindness. The neurosurgeons would have to do another type of surgery where they cut into her nose to remove the tumor. The doctors want to give my mom time to recover from her surgery last year, but this autumn they will look to see if the tumor has grown any bigger, and decide whether an operation is necessary.

I know my mom is scared, and so am I. if someone could send my family some prays for good health I would really be extremely grateful. Love you all. <3

Of Course, I will keep you and your family in my prayers sister. One of God's many names is Jehovah-Rapha. Rapha in Hebrew means not only "healer," but also "to mend, cure, repair thoroughly, make whole." So this title can be used when God not only cures diseases and physical ailments, but also when He repairs creation or restores a right relationship with His people. Jehovah-Rapha is used in all these contexts. Keep your eyes on Him. Hold firm the truths of the Word. Trust in Him. And know that you have the entire body of Christ behind you, praying for you, supporting you. Much love in God. God bless and please keep us posted.

 

[Ninetales]

Hi! I apologize for being so late! I think this is a wonderful club and I'm so excited to join!

I was surrounded by a plethora of different denominations growing up. My father is agnostic, however, his family is French-Catholic and I attended Romantic Catholic school for the vast majority of my life. My mother is a devout Evangelical and my maternal grandparents are Russian Orthodox. My parents divorced when I was young and thus was primarily raised by my mother, though my sister and I spent a lot of time with my grandparents as well! So growing up, the way in which I personally identified changed quite frequently.

Now, I'd identify as non-denominational. There is no single denomination that completely aligns with my personal philosophies, morals, and views. If I were to pick a church that I feel most accurately depicts my views which are immensely liberal, I'd say the United Church of Canada!

 

[Ninetales]

xxx

Sam, I will keep you, your dearest mother, and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself, hun. I'm sending you all the love in the world! <3

 

[CelloX]

We celebrated Christmas this year at home, we didn't do much, but we did do a skype call with other family members.

I need to pray for others more, honestly. It is one of my weak points...

 

[VisionofMilotic]

Thank you everyone for your prayers. My mom is I think doing better. She's got a new shiatsu deep tissue massager for the neck, shoulder and back pain, she says it helps a lot. Her pain is much less. She has not needed to take muscle relaxers regularly for pain control lately because she's feeling noticable relief. I think she is getting stronger. I see her mobility increasing. I also just bought her a neck brace to wear when she leaves the house. She is okay driving short distances.

I have not been without hardship though. My cousin passed away I'm afraid last weekend, from complications with covid. He had the virus, and came through it, but it exacerbated other underlying medical conditions he had, and his heart gave out a few days afterwards. He was a good man, and my whole family is saddened by his loss. I have been talking about it to Squirtlenator, who has gone out of his way to check in on me and has been attentive and caring, and strong. I really appreciate having that shoulder to lean on.

His burial service is tomorrow. I'm trying to find the courage to go to the visitation at the funeral home in the afternoon. I'm affected and saddened by my family member's death, and I also deal with anxiety and am easily stressed out when preparing for large, social gatherings. Then there's the pandemic. I'm fearful every time I leave the house. The weather is cold, snowing and icy as well, so so will need to take extra care. Pray that I get there safely, and keep me in your thoughts.

 

[CelloX]

Thank you everyone for your prayers. My mom is I think doing better. She's got a new shiatsu deep tissue massager for the neck, shoulder and back pain, she says it helps a lot. Her pain is much less. She has not needed to take muscle relaxers regularly for pain control lately because she's feeling noticable relief. I think she is getting stronger. I see her mobility increasing. I also just bought her a neck brace to wear when she leaves the house. She is okay driving short distances.

I have not been without hardship though. My cousin passed away I'm afraid last weekend, from complications with covid. He had the virus, and came through it, but it exacerbated other underlying medical conditions he had, and his heart gave out a few days afterwards. He was a good man, and my whole family is saddened by his loss. I have been talking about it to Squirtlenator, who has gone out of his way to check in on me and has been attentive and caring, and strong. I really appreciate having that shoulder to lean on.

His burial service is tomorrow. I'm trying to find the courage to go to the visitation at the funeral home in the afternoon. I'm affected and saddened by my family member's death, and I also deal with anxiety and am easily stressed out when preparing for large, social gatherings. Then there's the pandemic. I'm fearful every time I leave the house. The weather is cold, snowing and icy as well, so so will need to take extra care. Pray that I get there safely, and keep me in your thoughts.

I have anxiety problems too. Sorry for your loss, I hope for God to give you peace... I know this post is late, I wish I had still been watching this thread, but I left for a while. I am going to let someone else take over this clubhouse, because I am not sure if I realized that I was even considered the owner of the club, I just thought I started it.

 

[VisionofMilotic]

Thank you for your kind words everyone. Things have been better this month for my loved ones <3 We have some good news that I am so thankful for. My mother underwent an eye exam and her vision is fine, it doesn't look like there any pressure that should affect her vision. That is a prayer answered. I am so happy that she is safe with me, and that she has her sight.

I have a question to ask members with April approaching soon. How will some of you will celebrate Easter this year?

I'd love to hear plans and stories, even it's a simple and quiet Easter. I think this would be a positive and hopeful topic to reflect on.