I like the church, just not the people...

[Puguni]

...and I seriously need some prayer about that. I like going to my service, but, it's a student's mass. The teens in my sunday school aren't respectful of what's going on and it irks me. I don't hate them, I just don't enjoy their attitude. Prayers to help somehow. >< I don't know how to directly address this. Thanks so much and God bless.

[starfire]

I know exactly how you feel. It's kind of like, whoa the last time I checked this was supposed to be the house of God, right? It's not just your church, A lot of the churches I've seen are like that. I think the reason some(not all) teens are irreverent in church is simply that they don't want to be there. Have you ever heard the expression "God doesn't have any grandchildren" It's like that. You can't rely on your parents' faith or you won't grow. I used to be that way, sort of. Before I renewed my faith in Christ. Then it was like, hey, you know what? I love God! But if the truth hasn't become "real" for you, church can be really boring. What bothers me the most is the growing separation in churches. We went from a megachurch to a small one and the same level of coldness was there. Then you have to realize that its not the size of the building, its the people. It's like how no one knows their neighbors anymore. We've grown apart. I'll be praying for your church, as well as all of the others out there. I would encourage you not to give up and to stay strong in your faith, as I believe Paul said. And maybe join a small group that meets on a weeknight. Those are usually the kids that dont "have" to be there.

[Hephzibah]

I feel the same way at times, Pugumummy. I guess the only thing you can do is pray that you will have patience, as well as that the others will come to understand in their hearts what Jesus really did for them, and hence make them treat worship in a whole new way.

[~Natsumi Lam~]

almost all my life i have felt this way,, i have been to churchs like this.

I say to myself before church: God this is all for you, please let me only concentrate on you only, may you show those who are interupting the right way to handle service, and please give me patience, compassion and wisdom.


~NL~

[Steeltemplar]

That sounds tough. I will certainly pray for you.

it's a student's mass

So this is a Catholic service? I ask because you say "mass". (I'm Catholic myself, btw)

[Locke]

Remember, the church is imperfect people following a perfect God.
Dont worry about their actions, just keep focused on worshiping and the teaching.

And if you have to bust a "Jesus in the temple of thieves" then by all means do so.

I'll be praying for you ^^

[Doubleshadow]

You may have been put there by God to witness to these people, or even to correct them. I'll pray for you all.

[Gala]

i know what u r going through. this is one of the reasons why i left my old church and began to go to a smaller one. i will pray that u can show God's love in all you do especially in your church. maybe you were placed in this church to help get God's message through to them.

[Mave]

Sounds like a good opportunity for you to be a living example to those in your community. I'll pray for God's wisdom and compassion. ^^

Btw, I find this a bit interesting, considering that most of us accept the definition of 'church' as 'the people' in the body of Christ.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Remember, the church is imperfect people following a perfect God.
Dont worry about their actions, just keep focused on worshiping and the teaching.

And if you have to bust a "Jesus in the temple of thieves" then by all means do so.

I'll be praying for you ^^

AND also puguni, witness to them and such. Let the word out that THEY are in the presence of God... and why are they acting that way. Tell them in a way that makes them "click" and feel guilty (so they can change their attitude) and tell them of God's forgiveness ^_^

[Lengai]

I've felt that way..and still do. I'll certainly pray for you.

[Puguni]

Thanks for the encouragement. :X I doubt I could be such a person to get people to revere God in church though. Then again, who knows? *is reminded of Moses*

[Quote=Steeltemplar]So this is a Catholic service? I ask because you say "mass". (I'm Catholic myself, btw)[/quote]

Yup!

Sounds like a good opportunity for you to be a living example to those in your community. I'll pray for God's wisdom and compassion. ^^

Btw, I find this a bit interesting, considering that most of us accept the definition of 'church' as 'the people' in the body of Christ.

:X I hope that's not a bad thing, but I meant I like being in the church and I enjoy the service. I really don't notice people there. o.o I guess you could say I don't like the attitude of the people my age around me.

[Steeltemplar]

:D Thanks for the encouragement. :X I doubt I could be such a person to get people to revere God in church though. Then again, who knows? *is reminded of Moses*



Yup!



:X I hope that's not a bad thing, but I meant I like being in the church and I enjoy the service. I really don't notice people there. o.o I guess you could say I don't like the attitude of the people my age around me.

I have been in similar situations myself and it's hard. I try not to go to Mass a Georgetown (which is near to where I live) because I do not find it to be quite in the right spirit.

The best advice I can give you is to focus on the reason you are there - the Eucharist and the hearing of God's word. Continue in reverent practices and perhaps others will see your example.

Also, be aware that some of your peers may not know what they are doing. They may not have been properly catechized, which can be a problem.

I will certainly pray that things will get better for you.

[kaji]

Btw, I find this a bit interesting, considering that most of us accept the definition of 'church' as 'the people' in the body of Christ.

Figures you would beat me too this.

But the church IS the people who go there to worship. The body is made up of the people, not one person, not the building. But church is also not only a place where you go to obsorb or listen. Sure, your sunday service is, but the point of gathering isnt to keep the blessings of Christ to our selves, but to work together to share them with all.

The point being that its not always about us, and what we can get from a congregation, a service, or sundayschool, but what we can give back to the others there. They need the love of Jesus as much as the rest of us. Try changning your heart from one of frustration to one of compassion for their blidness.

Ill be praying for you.

-kaji

[Arnobius]

I think one of the best definitions of what church is was given by Benedict XVI when he was still a cardinal:

You cannot call God your father unless you accept Christ as your brother. To call Christ your brother means to accept all others whom Christ has called to be His brothers. This brotherhood is the church. [He goes much deeper into this, and since I'm doing this off the top of my head, a paraphrase is the best I can do]

Remember that the church is not a museum of saints, it is a hospital of sinners. All of us have our faults, and we come to God for mercy

CS Lewis, in his Screwtape Letters pointed out that if we come to God seeking his mercy, shouldn't we realize that the person next to us in the pew is also doing the same?

Anyway, I hope I haven't gone off tangent too far from your topic...

[Puguni]

I feel somewhat enlightened. Thanks for telling me, Kaji and AnimeHeretic.

[kaji]

Im glad we could help. ^_^

BTW, who is that in your Avatar?