Oh Molly. I know from personal experience what this is like. I’m sorry you’ve had to reach this decision but know that you’ve given it much careful thought and prayer.
When I left the last mainstream church we belonged to, I wrote letters explaining our reasons (which had to do with the larger denomination antics and uber-liberal rhetoric) and I mailed them to each of the three ministers, the head of the Deacons, and head of my Worship Committee. I wrote the letters because unfortunately, I didn’t trust the senior minister to fully or accurately explain our positions and reasons for being upset with what was going on.
I never heard one word from anybody. No one contacted us to express regret at our decision, try to challenge it or even say goodbye and wish us well. So, that was it.
We continue to visit churches in hopes of finding a new church home. Our biggest complaint about many of the churches anymore is the praise music which isn’t our cup of tea. (You and I might have an interesting discussion about the impact of praise music on church music and worship sometime but we’ll save it for later.)
I’m sorry this is happening now when you are having such difficulties with your mom. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Freepmail me anytime if you’d like to.
I like the praise music but would miss the old hymns and reverence of worship in a smaller church.........Messages are wonderful in the kids’ church, and it’s Biblically based......no PC stuff, which is good, but I don’t think it’s the best for hubby and me.
Prairie, is your daughter here in the states yet?
I’ll be glad to jump into that discussion of congregational music.