December 24, 2017- Bangor at Meadow Park Church of God
I am a member of the Church of the Nazarene. I have been a member of the Church of the Nazarene since September 11, 2006 when I was 17. I love the Church of the Nazarene and always will. It holds a special place in my heart. 2017 threw a curve-ball that I was not at all anticipating. I am not going to say anything bad about the church I left. I will suffice it to say, I reached a place in my life where
it was time for me to move on. My parents knew it and I knew it. In June, my mother took me to Meadow Park Church of God. Ironically, it was also the Senior Pastor's first Sunday. His sermon challenged me and spoke to where I am in my life as I face the unknown. He preached about difference between our expectations and anticipating what God is going to do. When my mother and I headed back to our car I told her "This is it! I just know it!" The thought of it being a different denomination didn't bother me at all because I was finally receiving what I needed and need so desperately. I also learned through my mother that the Church of God is very much aligned with the Church of the Nazarene.
During the summer, I merely got my feet wet. In September I dived in full throttle and have grown in leaps and bounds ever since! I am involved in Sunday School where I loved and accepted. On Wednesday night I am part of a Bible Study for young adult women. Now I look forward to going to church! I feel I have a place! The Bible Study is probably one of the best things that happened for me in 2017 because before that time I had nothing available like that for me. I came into Bible Study that first night feeling so nervous but when I got home I couldn't stop talking to my mother about it! I found what I had been looking for so far too long. I am go thankful for my Wednesday Bible Study and I finally feel like I have local friends for the first time in a long time! My depression is better and my anxiety is better. Everything about my life has improved ever since that first Sunday my mother took me to Meadow Park Church of God.
Sometimes life throws us curve-balls and we can choose to either go with them or roll against them. I was very scared and nervous that first Sunday. I knew how much I wanted it to work especially because it close to my parent's church (the church I left) and transportation wouldn't be an issue. I started going to Meadow Park as a 28 year old who was going into her last semester of college. I was dealing with severe anxiety and mild depression. I was very shy and insecure. Since that June day, I have blossomed! I contribute to Sunday School and Bible Study. People really value my insight. If I went against the curve-ball I wouldn't be where I am today. I have made a complete turn around in my life. I am so grateful for it!