Scrapbooking my life...one page at a time

Finding some Wonderful ...

Today was such a wonderful day - the kind of day that finds you taking deep breath *sigh* after deep breath  *sigh* - just so you can breathe in as much of the day as possible - filling up on all that wonderfulness in the air I suppose.  

There was nothing special about today really, other than it was Sunday - in fact, it was rainy & cloudy - an umbrella kind of day much like every other day of late.  But it didn't feel dreary or depressing, for the rain, while heavy and cold, was almost refreshing and unnoticeable.  

I  got up this morning like normal, drank some coffee, dressed and went to Church but today's service, for some reason I can't explain, was so Amazing!  It just left me feeling so, well, so wonderful.  

First off - we treated to the incredible sounds of the Chancel Hand-bell Choir - It was magical.  We truly  have a  very special choir at church and they always sound great but the hymns they sang today were some of my favorites and while I know I sing off-key - I sing my heart out nonetheless. 

My favorite hymn to date, is 'Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness' and we ended the service with it.  Somewhere between the Choir & the sermon I was moved gently towards a very special kind of wonderful ...

After church I went over to Bellevue Square on a 'Secret Christmas' search for someone and then I met up with Mike (he doesn't attend Church with me) for a yummy lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  We had such a nice relaxing time ... I hate to say it yet again, but it was wonderful...

I hope you found some wonderful in your day too ...

- N -

 

Sunday Service ...

Amid the skyscrapers and towering glass buildings that is now downtown Bellevue stands the Cross, the beacon, that marks in the sky, the home of my new church - The Belleuve First Congregational Church (BFCC).

God found me about 5 years ago but he arrived alone, he brought no church with him and at the time that was fine.  We did okay together - just him & I but over time I began to feel like a homeless nomad wandering, lost and without guidance or community.  And so, I began searching for a church that I felt I could commit to, worship in, be a part of and learn from.  For almost a year and half I searched and investigatied different religions and churches - I then found BFCC. 

When I discovered them, quite by accident, on the internet and read their statement of Faith - I irrevocably knew that I had found a permanent home with God ...

BFCC
Faith History:
A glimpse into who we are as a faith community

Above all else, Jesus taught us to be humble and compassionate. He taught us to care about those marginalized by society, and to give everyone a chance at hope and a purposeful life. He taught us the importance of taking a stand against injustice and abuse of power, even if it involves great sacrifice.

So when some churches claim their theology to be the one and only true path to heaven, and that those who do not share this self-centered interpretation of Christianity will burn in hell for eternity, we respectfully disagree. Christ did not cast people out of the church for their beliefs; he introduced new ways of thinking about the Old Testament through parables and metaphors, and reached out to the outcast. Even now, the true strength of Christianity is our ability to respect one another across denominations and discuss a purposeful, meaningful life from a variety of life’s perspectives. You don’t have to leave your brain at the door to be a Christian. It can actually be enlightening.

Consequently, our church is a proud member of the United Church of Christ (UCC), which has a history of taking important stands on social justice issues. We have a mission of doing exactly that in the Bellevue area, taking a lead to address problems ranging from homelessness to lack of food for low-income people. We live our faith to serve others.

Part of that faith means leaving the world a little better than you found it. This, in essence, is our stewardship perspective, covering not just financial giving but the contributions of time and talents to make a difference in the world.

Finally, we extend an open welcome to anyone who wants to be part of our community, not just anyone who shares the same beliefs. Our commitment to diversity, in all its forms, means that many of our members have come from other churches and denominations where they have felt unwelcome. Like the Pilgrims who escaped persecution and prejudice to form the first congregational churches in the new world, we understand. We’re a congregational church too. (http://www.fccbellevue.org)

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust; cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I life my soul unto thee.
~ Psalm 143:8 ~

I Hope You had a Wonderful Day
- N -