Getting Involved in Church Stuff

The church program year has started here at Fairfield Lutheran Parish.  From September through the end of May, I give up my husband several nights a week and we go back to having family day on Friday and part of Saturday.  We still have lunch and dinner together most days unless he is not in town.  But it is far more routine than the summer schedule, which is nice with a two year old.  The more routine things are for my son the better.

I feel like I turn into a single mom most days.  Jason sometimes takes Preston to the office with him so I can get a break in the morning to exercise and do a few things for myself.  But most days, I am on my own for several hours.  So I don't end up depressed and pissed off about all of this, I have found myself throwing myself into getting involved in church stuff to give myself something to do for me.  Since there is not much else to do in town, getting involved in church has been a way for me to do somethings for myself and others.  I have become the token church volunteer, which gives me a sense of purpose outside of my family.

To begin with, last year, I volunteered to help out as a secondary leader for the parish youth group.  I also helped lead a Bible study at the church in town and I filled-in as a helper for confirmation on Wednesday nights as needed.  This year I am assisting with the Bible study in town, not leading it.  I still fill-in for confirmation when I need to.

One thing is different this year though.  I will be leading a Sunday afternoon Bible study for the parish youth group.  I am getting more involved in activities and the formation of faith of the youth in the group.  I am impressed by the kids in the youth group and am excited to see how they grow in their faith.  I am excited to be a part of that process.  I went from being the secondary youth group leader to the main youth group leader.  The other leader will be more involved in planning the group activities.  Once a month we have a fun group activity.  In September, we had a bonfire and games afternoon.  In October, we will be having a Halloween movie night.  The rest of the Sundays in the month we will meet and have Bible study and play games.  We'll see how it goes, but so far I am optimistic that it will work out well.

I also help out with putting the monthly newsletter together when I can and every once in a while, I help serve coffee for fellowship time.  When I can I help out and I am far more involved in church stuff than I intended to be when we first moved here, which to be honest, has been such a blessing.  Because of my token volunteer church lady status, I have met some of the most amazing people, the most amazing kids and have found a larger purpose in my life than just getting by in a place that I have a love/hate relationship with.  I am truly blessed with such an amazing family and friends who are near and far.  Through God's grace and love, I am able to share my blessings with others and hopefully, they too will grow in their faith as I have in the past 3+ years.

Fighting the Lonelies

In my mind this should be a Berenstain Bears story: 'The Berenstain Bears Fight the Lonelies'. Megs and I have been battling this foe for over a year now...the lonelies...

After my very blue, longer then expected winter suckfest, I spent a lot of time reflecting on solutions to fight the lonelies. I still can't say I have any friends here. I know a few people. I have some acquaintances. But I don't think there is anyone I can call up and invite to do something or call when I am having a rough day.

So...I decided a few things I would do to try to meet people. I took a French class, and plan to sign up again in the fall. I started volunteering to teach English as a Second Language classes a couple times a month. And, very recently I found a group of older folks to play string quartets with.

I still am on the hunt for some friends, but for now at least I have increased my social circle, get out of the house, fill my days a little and am getting exposed to new people and places regularly.

I also am trying to fill my day with gardening, yoga, some cooking when motivated and too much internet browsing. I putz with my creative hobbies now and then too. I just made a neat vest out of two thrifted scarves. I think it's pretty neat but still need to wear it out of the house to see how people react.

Any tips for fighting the lonelies? We'd love to hear them in the comments!