Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would finding an evening church help?

I agree though, it became a major chore to get to at one point, and there was a good decade we didn’t go because Sunday mornings were more valuable at home.

Yes, we are in Central VA and I would give absolutely anything for a weekday evening church, or even Saturday evening. But we are not Catholic.

I'm not Catholic and my church has service on Saturday evening, two Sunday morning services, and a Wednesday evening Bible study. I live in Maryland, so I don't have any recommendations, but look around you may find a church with more than Sunday morning services.

I get it OP. It gets worse if your kids play any kind of travel sport too. We just go when we can. Sometimes, I'll go alone too and leave the family to fend for themselves at home.

I am Catholic though, so scheduling is easier. I grew up Protestant and Sundays were always so long with Sunday School and then a church service.

Anonymous wrote:Do church at home. If your god is omnipotent and omniscient, why do you need to be in a specific building to worship?

Because he said so. If he's all-powerful he gets to make the rules.

Although he didn't talk about buildings because church isn't a building. It's a community. But I imagine hosting a house church wouldn't be less stressful for OP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a Christian and I’ve been a church goer my whole life.

I recently went back to work and I am struggling BIG time with church on Sunday mornings.

We have two days a week to rest, spend time together, and not rush out the door.
We all enjoy church but it kills me to get us out the door…I just want to sit around.

I know Sunday morning is a small amount of time to give to God out of the week, but it’s 1/2 of my weekend mornings.

Quit lying to yourself.

This is why we cut all religion out of our lives. They want your money. They want your time. They want your trust and devotion. They want your children. But what are you getting in return? A big guilt trip that you'll go to H-E-double hockeysticks if you just nope out of all of it?

Who are they? Why is the only possible reason to go to church what you get from it?

Do church at home. If your god is omnipotent and omniscient, why do you need to be in a specific building to worship?

Anonymous wrote:I’m a Christian and I’ve been a church goer my whole life.

I recently went back to work and I am struggling BIG time with church on Sunday mornings.

We have two days a week to rest, spend time together, and not rush out the door.
We all enjoy church but it kills me to get us out the door…I just want to sit around.

I know Sunday morning is a small amount of time to give to God out of the week, but it’s 1/2 of my weekend mornings.

Quit lying to yourself.

This is why we cut all religion out of our lives. They want your money. They want your time. They want your trust and devotion. They want your children. But what are you getting in return? A big guilt trip that you'll go to H-E-double hockeysticks if you just nope out of all of it?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, it’s tough. But, it’s SO important to get your kids there. If they aren’t exposed and learn when they are young, then you miss showing and teaching them about your spiritual beliefs. Take them to Sunday School. They will have fun with other kids and learn, too. Treat it like school. Then take the summer off.

Why take summer off if it's important to get kids there to teach them the beliefs? Genuine question because I can tell based on attendance at our large Anglican church that some families believe this.

I'm the poster upthread who believes church is a literal biblical command and am really seeking to understand.

For my elementary kids summer is the time when they sit in the sermon with the rest of the congregation and hear great preaching from our pulpit, plus learn how to (sort of) take notes. It's a great experience for them. Then over the school year they have it broken down at more exactly their level in children's ministry.

My fellow Christian mom yes I agree with you!! I am the PP above though who is trying to focus on the joyful grace God offers us. Let’s unite to offer this to our fellow Christian mom!! She will find the way and the time when God reveals it to her! This is her time to praise and rest in her home free from guilt and ready to recover to lead her family in work and home. My OP sister above I wish you luck yes it’s hard! There are seasons though!

Anonymous wrote:I’m a Christian and I’ve been a church goer my whole life.

I recently went back to work and I am struggling BIG time with church on Sunday mornings.

We have two days a week to rest, spend time together, and not rush out the door.
We all enjoy church but it kills me to get us out the door…I just want to sit around.

I know Sunday morning is a small amount of time to give to God out of the week, but it’s 1/2 of my weekend mornings.

God gave you your life and your family with the purpose of rejoicing in his glory!! I truly believe this. If that means you worship and praise from home DO IT! If it means you find an afternoon service at a different church, or a very short catholic mass, DO IT! If it means you light a candle and say prayers or watch on tv or go once a month, that’s it! I really want it Christianity and my faith and relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit to be an anchor for my life that allows us to soar and build, not drag down and sink. I hope you find a great middle ground and I believe God will meet you in every season- your church going days, your home days, your busy days and your days where you can joyfully return to worship in his house. As a fellow mom I love you and send you prayers for strength and PEACE and grace! It’s HARD!

Anonymous wrote:Op, it’s tough. But, it’s SO important to get your kids there. If they aren’t exposed and learn when they are young, then you miss showing and teaching them about your spiritual beliefs. Take them to Sunday School. They will have fun with other kids and learn, too. Treat it like school. Then take the summer off.

Why take summer off if it's important to get kids there to teach them the beliefs? Genuine question because I can tell based on attendance at our large Anglican church that some families believe this.

I'm the poster upthread who believes church is a literal biblical command and am really seeking to understand.

For my elementary kids summer is the time when they sit in the sermon with the rest of the congregation and hear great preaching from our pulpit, plus learn how to (sort of) take notes. It's a great experience for them. Then over the school year they have it broken down at more exactly their level in children's ministry.

Anonymous wrote:I'm Episcopalian and several local churches (in MD so unfortunately don't have rec's for you in central VA) have Sunday evening services. Google "church with sunday evening service near me" and maybe something will turn up for you.

Hi, I'm Episcopalian in MD too and would love an evening service. I googled your suggested words but nothing Episcopal came up. Would you mind sharing recommendations? Thanks!

I'm Episcopalian and several local churches (in MD so unfortunately don't have rec's for you in central VA) have Sunday evening services. Google "church with sunday evening service near me" and maybe something will turn up for you.

Going sets the tenor of the week. It refreshes you and gives a renewed sense of faith and community. You should walk out the door feeling uplifted and supported by a church body. Your kids should be learning Biblical truths and meeting and socializing with other Christians their age. It’s great on so many levels. You can set your alarm clock ⏰ and get up and go! You are the bigger parent on this. Do it for your family. 💕

We just go 50% of the time instead of every week.

Sunday is supposed to a day of rest. I say skip church and read the bible at home or something.

Op, it’s tough. But, it’s SO important to get your kids there. If they aren’t exposed and learn when they are young, then you miss showing and teaching them about your spiritual beliefs. Take them to Sunday School. They will have fun with other kids and learn, too. Treat it like school. Then take the summer off.