Violetta Spinazzola

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I have been wanting to become more involved with my religion in the past year (my family is Christian but never goes to church or is particularly religious), but when I go to church, it feels both too real and also too little. I didn't grow up going, so I feel a little distant not having read the Bible and experiencing the services. At the same time, I feel overwhelmed being in a place of faith and worship and feeling so happy and at the same time feeling extremely emotional and overwhelmed - I don't really know how to describe it. The last time I went, I cried, and cried hard. I'm also not familiar with how services go and things that everyone seems to know by heart but I have no clue about. I truly believe in God, but for me worship has always been in private. I feel awkward telling my parents I want to attend services, and it's weird being in a place with other people who share the same faith as I do (church), because I'm so used to just praying alone in my room. I think I'm just overwhelmed with really leaning into my beliefs, and truly letting myself believe in God and seeing and meeting others who believe in Him. Has anyone else experienced this? There's no one I can really talk to around me, and I get emotional talking about it with my parents. Can anyone give me some advice?
 

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Many new and young believers feel overwhelmed the way you're feeling. Have you approached your Pastor? Most Churches also have small groups that address people with special needs, like a young adults group or a new believers group. I used to head one a few decades ago. You'll probably be more comfortable and blend in better that way.
 
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timothyu

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Seek God first. Churches can be overwhelming but that was the intention of the institution, not the original followers who met in homes or in the outdoors. Churches, like life, have a dual nature, serving both those of God and those who seek to keep us worldly. People are in awe of physical greatness so as a result they might better be easily lead. That was the purpose of the majesty of church buildings as time went along. The question is lead to where. Into the religion or a particular denomination, or lead to God? Be discerning. God's Kingdom came free with no strings attached. Scripture is there to be read, not interpreted.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
 
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Of the Kingdom

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Welcome to the forums. I suppose we are a stranger group than the people at your church; but you can filter out which ones you pay attention to here.

I hope you can get to know a few people at church, more than just to greet each other when you meet. Sometimes that's not easy though. Maybe you can look around or ask around about small study groups meeting separate from the church, as that would probably be more comfortable. I would hope you can continue to attend regular worship services though. Both the worship and the sermons are valuable if you are fortunate to attend a place where God's spirit is leading.

I hope you will take some time to read the Bible. There are many apps for your cell phone; I like youversion which has many translations and both text and audio. You should probably choose a version which is comfortable to read, but compare with others occasionally. I personally like the WEB (World English Bible), which is probably halfway between too-simple and too-difficult for me. There are many other choices which are just as good though.

I think different people like different gospel books. If you're not sure, or if this is your first time reading since taking a new interest, you might want to sample a little of Matt, Mark, Luke and John then pick one of them to read through.

I wish you well, and hope you find a church (even better if it's the one you already know) committed to teaching from the Bible in detail and worshiping and praying together as the Holy Spirit guides.
 
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Rescued One

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Violetta, I know exactly what you are talking about! Fortunately for me, when I left the LDS church (which is very different), my gregarious husband went with me. My parents were divorced and my mother wasn't a Christian (a deist perhaps) and didn't go to church, my father was an atheist.

It takes time to "learn the ropes." Eventually attending church will probably become easier.
 
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timothyu

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It takes time to "learn the ropes."

I agree but again it depends on whose ropes, the churches or God's. My point is a person can hop from denomination to denomination or building to building, but God taught us to hop from the ways and world of man to the ways and world of the Kingdom. Few churches do. I guess it all depends on which a person would like to follow, a comfortable church of the world or the way of the Kingdom. As a contrast, compare the earliest church which was a way of life, compared to the institutionalised version. Use today's churches, if that is the choice, as a stepping stone rather than a haven.
 
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Rescued One

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I agree but again it depends on whose ropes, the churches or God's. My point is a person can hop from denomination to denomination or building to building, but God taught us to hop from the ways and world of man to the ways and world of the Kingdom. Few churches do. I guess it all depends on which a person would like to follow, a comfortable church of the world or the way of the Kingdom. As a contrast, compare the earliest church which was a way of life, compared to the institutionalised version. Use today's churches, if that is the choice, as a stepping stone rather than a haven.

I don't point people to a particular church. If a person is brought to CHRIST by God that person will follow Christ. The Holy Spirit is with believers to teach them truth and the Bible is also available.

Proverbs 3
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I was totally lost in Mormonism, but God brought me out.
 
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At the same time, I feel overwhelmed being in a place of faith and worship and feeling so happy and at the same time feeling extremely emotional and overwhelmed - I don't really know how to describe it. The last time I went, I cried, and cried hard.
I know that this may be strange telling you this, but what you are experiencing is a good thing. A really good thing! The reason why you are feeling "overwhelmed" is because you are a place where the Holy Spirit is manifested. "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20). I would argue that it is impossible not to feel overwhelmed when in the presence of the God. All you can do when confronted with the Almighty is to worship. That feeling that you get that causes your eyes to well up is the presence of perfect love. They are tears of joy. My advice is to embrace it. Bathe in the love of Christ and take it in so that your cup will overflow with the love of Christ and be poured out onto others.
 
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Jehovah's Witnesses want to teach people in their homes and steer people away from churches.

They say:
"Consider reasons why we are Christians, as well as how we differ from other religious groups called Christian." However, Jehovah's Witnesses are not Christians.
 
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I have been wanting to become more involved with my religion in the past year (my family is Christian but never goes to church or is particularly religious), but when I go to church, it feels both too real and also too little. I didn't grow up going, so I feel a little distant not having read the Bible and experiencing the services. At the same time, I feel overwhelmed being in a place of faith and worship and feeling so happy and at the same time feeling extremely emotional and overwhelmed - I don't really know how to describe it. The last time I went, I cried, and cried hard. I'm also not familiar with how services go and things that everyone seems to know by heart but I have no clue about. I truly believe in God, but for me worship has always been in private. I feel awkward telling my parents I want to attend services, and it's weird being in a place with other people who share the same faith as I do (church), because I'm so used to just praying alone in my room. I think I'm just overwhelmed with really leaning into my beliefs, and truly letting myself believe in God and seeing and meeting others who believe in Him. Has anyone else experienced this? There's no one I can really talk to around me, and I get emotional talking about it with my parents. Can anyone give me some advice?
What you're feeling is so normal, don't feel as if you're alone in this! I experienced this when I began going to church alone (moved somewhere new for college), but things got better. As other people have mentioned, most churches will have separate meetings, away from the main worship services and I found these very useful in meeting others as smaller groups allowed more intimate and personalised conversations! I see your feelings of being overwhelmed as a sign of the strength of your faith and you shouldn't doubt your belongingness at the church. don't give up!
 
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timothyu

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Do you worship in a Christian church or a Kingdom Hall?

No not a Kingdom Hall. Funny how Jesus' entire ministry was the Gospel of the Kingdom yet Kingdom Hall is the assumption some Christians would make. Something in Christianity got lost along the way. Time to put the Gospel of the Kingdom back into Christianity where it belongs :) (even if it steps on the toes of a nation which purposely rejects it)

Matthew 24:14 And this GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
 
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No not a Kingdom Hall. Funny how Jesus' entire ministry was the Gospel of the Kingdom yet Kingdom Hall is the assumption some Christians would make. Something in Christianity got lost along the way. Time to put the Gospel of the Kingdom back into Christianity where it belongs :) (even if it steps on the toes of a nation which purposely rejects it)

Matthew 24:14 And this GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

I don't think you regard us as brothers and sisters who know the WAY. Do you think Jesus is lost?
 
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The only thing Jesus was leading the way to was the Kingdom of God, and HE was certainly not lost.

He isn't lost to any Christian. His sheep follow HIM, not strangers who promote Kingdom above Christ.
 
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timothyu

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not strangers who promote Kingdom above Christ.

If it were not for Jesus the Kingdom would not be. Do you deny He taught only the Kingdom and died to bring it about? I don't.

Everyone is free to follow whatever path they wish, but might I ask what would be the purpose of following a path that does not lead to the Kingdom of God when this is what Jesus taught and said this was why He was sent??
 
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feeling so happy and at the same time feeling extremely emotional and overwhelmed - I don't really know how to describe it. The last time I went, I cried, and cried hard.

That's normal. I still do that.

I'm also not familiar with how services go and things that everyone seems to know by heart but I have no clue about.

It's not clear what kind of church you attend. Many churches have a printed "order of service" that show the parts of the service in order. Something typical for a Protestant service would be:
  • Music before worship, and time for private prayer or reflection
  • Opening worship, often with a Bible quotation
  • Hymn, words of welcome, and prayer (often with a focus on approaching God)
  • Scripture reading
  • Hymn, offering, and prayer (often with a focus on asking God to help the pastor explain the passage and/or asking God to accept the offering)
  • Explanation of the scripture passage (sermon)
  • Hymn, prayer, and other responses to God's message in the scripture
  • Closing worship, often with a formal blessing by the pastor
  • Music after worship, and time for private prayer or reflection
The various prayers will often focus on one or more of the 4 aspects of prayer summarised in ACTS (Adoration of God, Confession of sin, Thanksgiving for what God has done, Supplication = asking God for help). However, different pastors will put the A, C, T, and S in different places in the service.

It's usual to have the offering before the sermon because we are not giving the pastor money as a reward for talking well -- we are giving money to God.

Can anyone give me some advice?

My only advice would be: keep on attending, and it will all feel more familiar.
 
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I have been wanting to become more involved with my religion in the past year (my family is Christian but never goes to church or is particularly religious), but when I go to church, it feels both too real and also too little. I didn't grow up going, so I feel a little distant not having read the Bible and experiencing the services. At the same time, I feel overwhelmed being in a place of faith and worship and feeling so happy and at the same time feeling extremely emotional and overwhelmed - I don't really know how to describe it. The last time I went, I cried, and cried hard. I'm also not familiar with how services go and things that everyone seems to know by heart but I have no clue about. I truly believe in God, but for me worship has always been in private. I feel awkward telling my parents I want to attend services, and it's weird being in a place with other people who share the same faith as I do (church), because I'm so used to just praying alone in my room. I think I'm just overwhelmed with really leaning into my beliefs, and truly letting myself believe in God and seeing and meeting others who believe in Him. Has anyone else experienced this? There's no one I can really talk to around me, and I get emotional talking about it with my parents. Can anyone give me some advice?
A good church will be welcoming, most of the pressure will be from within yourself. I'd advise making some friends there.

It's not clear what kind of church you attend. Many churches have a printed "order of service" that show the parts of the service in order. Something typical for a Protestant service would be:
  • Music before worship, and time for private prayer or reflection
  • Opening worship, often with a Bible quotation
  • Hymn, words of welcome, and prayer (often with a focus on approaching God)
  • Scripture reading
  • Hymn, offering, and prayer (often with a focus on asking God to help the pastor explain the passage and/or asking God to accept the offering)
  • Explanation of the scripture passage (sermon)
  • Hymn, prayer, and other responses to God's message in the scripture
  • Closing worship, often with a formal blessing by the pastor
  • Music after worship, and time for private prayer or reflection
So OP knows what to call it, this is a bulletin.
 
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