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BeckyLynn

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Dec 28, 2017
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Hello and thanks for the opportunity to be part of this forum.

I have been a Christian for many years. The faith journey has been bumpy, sometimes confusing, and I believe my looking into the things of God is really a lifetime process.

I was first raised Lutheran, back before the creation of ELCA. Middle school to high school I was brought to a Pentecostal church which became an all-consuming passion for me. I worked hard, very hard, to be a good enough Christian. It was exhausting and led to burnout and subsequent rebellion. "If I am back-slidden, sinful, I might as well sin completely and try all forbidden fruit.

Fast forward years, I gravitated back to the Lutheran church, but I had no idea how much Lutheran alphabet soup there was...ELCA, LCMS, WELS, and it goes on.

I was catechized at a very conservative LCMS church, and realized I knew nothing of law and gospel, the creeds, solas, sacraments. My life will never be the same.

I've bounced back and forth for a while, which I hear is common when making such a change. It was scary, but I was convinced. The creeds, doctrines, sacraments all matter and Jesus is front and center. Not my fickle emotional experiences and Pastor approvals ( if I could earn it)

Currently, I am still experiencing some "synod angst". I am sure confessional and teachings are correct. But I was diagnosed with MS about five years ago, and also lost my Mom to pancreatic cancer over three years ago. It all set off some serious soul searching, and it all became very real to me.

The MS impedes transportation, affects my mobility and cognition and emotions. It's been a barrier.

I'd love to have someone to mentor and help as I work through these issues. I have made a decision to make the travel to VA to attend a WELS church-the best fit. I may have to do some home-bound services and go once a month or so for Eucharist. I'm still working that out.

The LCMS in the DC area
- yikes-I have become discouraged and disillusioned with them.

Thanks for reading this!

Becky

p.s. I recently learned I have a great-great Grandfather that came from Germany to do church-plants (mission churches) in the Midwest (where I am from, and my dad's family is WELS-go figure!)
 

faroukfarouk

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Hi; good to see you!

You may have a Lutheran background; it's really good to read what Luther said about the believer's justification by faith. Better still, Galatians and Romans 5 are very encouraging reading; and it all fits into your background, probably!
 
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Pilgrim

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Mar 26, 2017
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Hello and thanks for the opportunity to be part of this forum.

I have been a Christian for many years. The faith journey has been bumpy, sometimes confusing, and I believe my looking into the things of God is really a lifetime process.

I was first raised Lutheran, back before the creation of ELCA. Middle school to high school I was brought to a Pentecostal church which became an all-consuming passion for me. I worked hard, very hard, to be a good enough Christian. It was exhausting and led to burnout and subsequent rebellion. "If I am back-slidden, sinful, I might as well sin completely and try all forbidden fruit.

Fast forward years, I gravitated back to the Lutheran church, but I had no idea how much Lutheran alphabet soup there was...ELCA, LCMS, WELS, and it goes on.

I was catechized at a very conservative LCMS church, and realized I knew nothing of law and gospel, the creeds, solas, sacraments. My life will never be the same.

I've bounced back and forth for a while, which I hear is common when making such a change. It was scary, but I was convinced. The creeds, doctrines, sacraments all matter and Jesus is front and center. Not my fickle emotional experiences and Pastor approvals ( if I could earn it)

Currently, I am still experiencing some "synod angst". I am sure confessional and teachings are correct. But I was diagnosed with MS about five years ago, and also lost my Mom to pancreatic cancer over three years ago. It all set off some serious soul searching, and it all became very real to me.

The MS impedes transportation, affects my mobility and cognition and emotions. It's been a barrier.

I'd love to have someone to mentor and help as I work through these issues. I have made a decision to make the travel to VA to attend a WELS church-the best fit. I may have to do some home-bound services and go once a month or so for Eucharist. I'm still working that out.

The LCMS in the DC area
- yikes-I have become discouraged and disillusioned with them.

Thanks for reading this!

Becky

p.s. I recently learned I have a great-great Grandfather that came from Germany to do church-plants (mission churches) in the Midwest (where I am from, and my dad's family is WELS-go figure!)
Welcome to Christian Forums, @BeckyLynn. :wave:
 
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