Need to Find a Place of Worship That You Just LOVE

I have been a single parent and love LAKEPOINTE... look at www.lakepointe.org. They have many locations and they are awsome...

Michelle,

I don't know if you've found the church that will fulfill all your needs and desires for your family yet.. If you haven't, I would like to invite you to my church.. It's called Covenant Church and it's located in Carrollton. Covenant provides everything you want in a church and some. My pastor is Pator Mike Hayes...He brings a direct bible based word out of the love that God has planted in him.. You can also listen to him daily on 91.7 at 11:45a.. We have an awesome Children's ministry from 6weeks to 18 years of age. For the singles, we have a singles ministry that will blow your mind.. We learn about the Lord and have fun in the process.. We have what we call Life Teams.. These are small group ministries that provide more intimate ways of growing in the kingdom with people that are interested in what you are interested in.. Mostly all of our lifeteams are passion based, so there's something for everyone.. Everything from a cycling lifeteam, to single mom's lifeteams, to cycling lifeteams... Even our youth have lifeteams... But I do want to advise you that when you visit Covenant, have an open mind and be willing to be involved.. Feel free to ask questions and you will be pointed in the right direction.. I've been a member 8years now, attending for 9 and I've enjoyed every moment.. If you would like to check out our website, it's www.covenantchurch.org... Our singles website is www.elementsingles.org... Our services are on Sundays at 9a and 11a... Saturdays 7p... and Wednesdays at 7p.. Monday night singles services are 7p.. Give Covenant Church a try.. We stream all of our services live on either website during the above service times as well.. I know you will love it..

Hi M.,

There is NO Biblical mandate to "join a church". That is a man made thing. We explored that a lot before joining our church. For us we "joined" to make a public statement that we agreed w/ their statement of faith and would teach the same in Sunday Schools, youth programs etc....

Anyway- That being said I do love my church- it is Scofield down in Lake Highlands. It is a busy Bible church w/ many different people from a variety of backgrounds. If you would like to meet there sometime and check it out please let me know.

This has nothing to do w/ your post but your signature- check out Craig's List http://dallas.craigslist.org/ they had quite a few listings for MA's in the area.

D.

I am a practicing Catholic and I've been hearing mass at St. Ann Parish (stannparish.org) I was not a member of the church during my first year . I think it's not a big deal if your a member or not . They also have a Catholic preschool where my son goes. The church is located in in Coppell .
Check the website and visit the church and decide if you want it there.

Goodluck !
L.

M.

First I am so sorry you felt that way.

I know you will get many responses to this email. We momma's love to praise our churches--How Awesome is that!!

I've "gushed" many times about our church, and I'm not sure how able and willing you are to travel. But in Denton, Texas we worship at The Harvest Church.. www.theharvestchurch.net
Pastor Dave's teachings are from the bible, we have wonderful programs for the children from babies to the youth. The church offers small home groups (childcare provided) and woman's and men's bible studies. We are two years old and growing. The church has just started offering "Basic Life" courses before church (childcare included) which brought me back to the basics in my reading of the bible and prayer.

The people are Awesome, I am not a single parent ( I give you much praise) however, my husband travels a lot and is not able to attend church most times with me, and the church members are awesome with help and support.

M. like I said, I could "gush" how my church has changed my life. But my advice to you is to attend several churches and you'll know when your home, you'll have such an excitement about the lord and his teachings again.

I'll pray for your family, I hope you find what you are looking for.

If I can help in any way please don't hesitate to contact me.

Many Blessings,
T.

Hi M.,

I'm not a single parent, so I don't know by experience. But our church has a lot of activities for single parents. dinners, playdates, car repairs for cheap, I believe summercamp, weekend get aways with only single parents. I read about it all the time in the monthly newsletter. So defenitely worth checking out!
We go to the 9.00 service on sunday since almost a year. We have always felt welcome, and the message is deep, gives you something to think about and work with. And the childrens service sometimes makes me jealous, it is sooooooo good, every week.

And if you decide to join a bible study group, there's always childcare, for free.

It is Irving Bible Church, close to the beltline and Royal in Irving.

http://www.irvingbible.org/index.php?id=251 this is the link to the single parent page

http://www.irvingbible.org/index.php?id=59 this is the linkt to the main page.

Good luck, hope to see you, I.

M., I have the most perfect church for you! I actualy work in the nursery as a volunteer. The reason I chose this church is because of it's awesome childrens program! As a matter of fact you'll see adults walking around with t shirst that say "church is for kids"

Okay enough! It's called Highland meadows christian church! www.hmcc.org
it's on the corner of hall johnson & pool in colleyville.
they have three serivices 815 am 930 (which is the one I go to) and 11am

I go to the 930 because that is the only one that offers sunday school for the kiddos at the same time! They do have a seperate 11am service that is for parents and children to go together and they teach things like
"patience" and Love & Logic.

anyway please feel free to email me if you have more questions!

Love, K.

I too was raised Catholic and found it difficult to find a church that was perfect for me. I attended my church for four years before taking the membership classes. If you are not too far from Carrollton, you should attend a service at Covenant Church on Trinity Mills. Our services are Sundays at 9:00 and 11:00, Saturday at 7:00, and Wednesday at 7:00. There are classes for the children provided at all the services. There is also a special service for single parents held every Monday. I believe it starts at 7:00. I have heard wonderful things about the single ministry. This service also has special classes for the children. Our church is very large. However, we have life teams that are small and intimate. They are also in different parts of the DFW so that it can be more convenient for you. The are many Life Teams so that you can find the perfect one for you (i.e. single parents). I hope you come and join us for a service one day. I think you will love it there as much as I do. God Bless you and your family. I know he will guide you to the perfect home for you!

We searched and searched for a church, and finally settled on The Met in Keller. We live in Colleyville, and it's about a 20 minute drive for us, but after trying a lot of other churches, it's the only one we really enjoyed. Their music is great. My husband was actually saying last night that he was listening to some songs on the radio, and he felt like our music group is better than some of the original artists! My husband wasn't a regular churchgoer, and he really likes this church now and actually wants to go, which is a big change. It's smaller than Fellowship, but still decent-sized. Their kids program is great, and they've got lots of Home Groups so I would think there would be one in which you would fit.

Not sure if the location is ok for you, but it may be worth a try.

My friend Kim, went through the exact same thing, but she went to a different Catholic church and was not welcomed as a single parent, but a lot of churches do that to you. She went to several churches that had good worship programs, but not really bible based, and that's what she wanted. She ended up going to a Jehovah's Witness church and she said she felt really welcomed. She started studying the bible. She seems to like it and so do her kids, she has a 7 yr old girl, and a 9 yr old boy. I've been to church with her 2 times, and it's really bible based, no one knew me, but everyone came to say Hello, I was a single mother at the time. I'm not much of a church person myself, but I have visited several churches that I have been invited to, and this is the only one that uses the bible a lot, and the people are very genuine.

Oh My GOSH... I can't believe they said that! I do have a great church for you though. http://www.st-andrews-church.org/ It is my church which is Episcopal. I know there has been a lot in the news lately thay you may or may not like, so I will say that this particular church is pretty traditional. My husband is Catholic and he still feels comfortable there, so it is a great place for people who like the general Catholic services, but don't quite feel right at the Catholic churches for various reasons. It is a very small church, so they don't have many programs, but quite active. They are always looking for people to be more involved. It's worth a visit even if you decide it is too small for your needs. I noticed your profile says you are in Carrollton, so it probably isn't too far from you. We live in north Carrollton, and it takes about 15 minutes to get there (it's in north Farmer's Branch.) If I can help in any way, please let me know. Good luck in your search. The right church is a very personal decision, but you will know when you find it.

Hi M.,
I actually go to Fellowship Church in Grapevine, and am a leader of a Hometeam (Bible study). I am so sorry to hear that you have had such a negative experience trying to get "plugged in", but I would like to see if you would like to attend our Bible study, at least until you are able to find a church and group where you feel connected. We are in the Irving area (Las Colinas). While I don't remember the particular message you are referring to, I hope that it was just a message taken in the wrong way. I think that he might have been encouraging people who have been sitting on the "side-lines" to make that faith decision. I know that my husband and I were going to the church for a couple of years before we joined and became members. Therefore, that message certainly applied to us. By that I mean, that here we were attending the church and receiving the benefits, but weren't joining. Why not? Just never took the time to become a member. By becoming a member, we were dedicating our time and tithe to Fellowship Church. It wasn't until I became a member that I was able to connect with people, volunteer, and ultimately make friends. And I assume that Ed's message was directed at people who were like my husband and me. Just sitting there and taking up space, but never really having the initiative to get involved and make a commitment. However, I also believe that making that kind of commitment takes time and shouldn't be forced. I am so sorry that you took it in that way. There have been messages that have sometimes not come across in the best way for me, but I do feel like overall, I have grown in that church (I also come from a strict Catholic background). Currently in our Hometeam, we do have a woman who is not a member of the church. However, she is one of the greatest women, and a great contribution to our group. So, you do not have to be a member to "belong".
Also, I am certainly willing to speak to the Hometeam organizers on your behalf and find out what the problem was getting you connnected!!! They have said multiple times that if there is ever a problem to let them know, and I certainly see this as a huge problem!!! But then again, we are all human and make mistakes...
However, if you just feel as though you can't go back, may I suggest that you try Gateway Church in Southlake? They are similiar to Fellowship but are slightly different.
Thanks,
C. Whitham
###-###-####

M.,

I know what a difficult time it can be when searching for the truth. I also know what a blessing it is when you finally find the place where the spirit whispers to you that you have found what you are looking for. I wish you the best in this journey.

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as the Mormons. There is a huge emphasis on the family within our religion and there are many children's activities for the children, as well. We would never think less of someone for being a single mother - to the contrary, we would see that as an opportunity to wrap our arms around our Sister who might need more support than others. You would never leave feeling unwelcomed.

There are many misconceptions in regards to our church, which prohibits many from even considering attending. I understand that, as you probably do as well - being raised Catholic. The larger the religion, the more the condemnation.

Several years ago, Ed Young gave a series of sermons relating to how all of the other religions were wrong. My husband wrote a response to his sermon. The link is pasted below if you would like to read it. Some of it is rather deep, but he responds line by line to Mr. Young's sermon to point out the errors that were made.

http://answertofellowshipchurch.homestead.com/

I wish you luck and would be happy to answer any questions you might have in regards to the mormon faith. I am not sure where you live, but I know there is a mormon church in your area that would love to welcome you in anytime. We believe in lifting one anothers burdens, never tearing one another down or asking one to commit or leave. Best wishes to you -

S.

Hi M.!
I definitely think you should be able to explore as many churches as you want...for as long as you want...without being pressured to "join" if you're not ready. There is a perfect church home for you that will be the right fit for you and your kids. And you'll know it because everything will fall into place...and you'll enjoy the worship services and feel right at home. But let me say this...no church is "perfect" -- every church is full of imperfect people (that's why we need a savior). But there is a perfect fit for you on where you should be.
That being said.... I've found this perfect church home for me and my family at Fellowship Bible Church North in Plano. www.fbcnorth.org. And we absolutely LOVE visitors! Our services are: Friday 7 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. and Noon. [I'd love to give you a tour of the place or help you find where to go ... we usually go to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service, if you'd like to meet me there.] There's a single moms ministry called Oasis. And I personally know a mom who is a leader of a women's Life Group (community bible study) ...this is a group that is designed for single moms and wives that don't have husband church involvement (or the husband works a lot on weekends or is gone for long periods of time)....
anyway...personal message me and I can give you the contact information for her Life Group. Getting involved in a community/life Group is key to becoming at home and feeling connected to a church. You get to know the people of the church in a smaller setting. At the worship services, you are there to worship God....there's very little opportunity to get to know the people in the church, plus there's no guarantee that you'll sit next to the same people next Sunday - so you never really get to know people. These life groups are a great way to get involved and feel involved in church.

I'm a co-leader (w/my husband) of a Life Group as well at FBCN -so I'm very passionate about Life Groups...it's the reason why I have these long-lasting friendships and an extended "family" that I can rely on in times of need and times of joy! You are more than welcome to visit our Life Group as well!! Wherever you'd feel more comfortable...feel free to try and visit many LGs.
I'm praying for God to bring you to the right place of worship for you... where you can grow in your spiritual walk and build strong friendships. God bless!
~A.

Hi M. -

I am also a single Mom and I attend Fellowship church. There are actually a lot of single parents that attend fellowship I am coming to find out. I am sorry that you took Ed's message the way you did. I was there also on Sunday. I don't think he meant that you could not continue attending without being a member. I think he wanted to encourage people that have been attending Fellowship for months and months and don't attend or want to attend another church than they should think about becoming a member. Because he wants to encourage people to serve through volunteering through all the different areas in the church, it is a great way to get connected with other people. As far as Bible Studies go they do have several different series and I think another starts in March and they provide great childcare. I attend one on Thursdays and my 3 1/2 year old son loves to go. There are also hometeams as a way to get connected. I know there is a Women's home team. I have heard that there is a single parents hometeam as well. I am looking into that and if I find out anything I will let you know. With that said, Fellowship is a great church I would love to meet you and help you get connected with these groups. Also there is an awesome youth program they get together every Wed nite and have tons of fun so that would be great for your 16 yr old.

Please let me know if you would like to get together.

Blessings,

S.

We had an experience at Fellowship somewhat similiar to that. Plus, I always seemed to be left out, even though I tried to get involved in so many thing. I just, somehow, fell through the cracks.

We go to RockPointe Church in Flower Mound (off 1171 across from Bridlewood). We absolutely love it. They have a Tues p.m. and Wed a.m. ladies bible study, 4 services on Sunday with childcare at all and a great youth group too. The first time we visited, the church was still meeting in a middle school, and my family has never felt so welcomed anywhere. It wsa amazing the people are genuine. Pastor Ron is just who is he. He's easy to get to know, down to earth and fun to be around. We have great contemporary music too, similiar to Fellowship. We're a non-denominational church.

If you want more information, got to www.rockpointechurch.org. And, if you want to try it out, I'd be happy to meet you and sit with you.

C. A.
Mom of 2

Shel,
I am am Baptist -- but when I moved here from up north, I tried Fellowship b/c my DH had been going there for some time. I, like you, never felt that I fit in! And we stopped going when one time Ed tried to tell everyone what he felt that we should be tithing as well. We are firm believers of tithing, but I don't think that is a directive that should come from him! Its not about how much you give -- its the fact that you give. I don't like fellowship -- b/c to me, it felt like a church that I could not connect too and I felt if I wasn't there, no one was going to miss you! Much too big for me. I personally like the more hometown traditional approach -- not a rock concert of sorts. Its definitely not what I am accustomed to, coming from a ###-###-#### attendance back home. Have you tried First Baptist of Coppell - its a brand new church with a good sunday school program I hear, also little on the contemporary side (so I don't know whether that appeals to you), but it does have a small hometown feel, or how about Irving Bible in Irving - I have heard good things about them, but have not tried them yet - as I am in the same boat as you and still trying to make that connection with a church I can call home. Try doing a query for a catholic church in your zipcode/hometown and I hope you find one that you feel you can also call home too! Good luck,
K.