my family has relocated to a new area- and our neighbors are a pastor and his wife and family. They have visited with us and invited my family to visit their church- which we have on 3 different Sundays. This Church is a great place - it is huge - it has 3 seperate morning services for members, it has a lot of stuff going on but is very overwhelming- it has a orientation and a map to try to feel your way around in this church. I am currently looking for a church to go to, we have 4 children- 1 of whom is a 4 yr old autistic child who is not pottytrainedfully yet-- this church has no programs or can make exceptions to let our 4 yr old go in a class with his 2 yr old brother during the main morning service- he obviously cannot go in the main service with us for the sake of others and for him. any ideas on what to do next- we have expressed our concerns- but they keep calling and mailing our other children invitations to church. Help!
2007-06-26 14:43:12 · 10 answers · asked by lilRed 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You need to ask your neighbor point blank to stop sending material and calling your children.
Tell them that you need a more intimate setting so that your family can be together to worship in a manner that is meaningful to all of you, not just the ones that the church wants and how the church wants it.
THe pastor may take exception to this explanation, but he will be able to think over your rejection of this church in a meaningful manner during his prayor time.
Stick to your guns, a family should worship together. We have an austistic child in our small little country church, and he is in the service most of the time. At the times he is particularly agitated, his mother takes him to the nursery, but most of the time, even with his little moans, he is right in the service with the rest of us. He also has other medical conditions such as ausbergers.
A small church, intimate friends, all knowing that we are all of the body of Christ, even the little guys. One that knows that it takes a village of believers, but the parents still have ultimate say when it comes to their children. I hope you can find what we have, its wonderful to have so much intimate family.
2007-06-26 14:52:16 · answer #1 · answered by cindy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With weddings costing so much now, to get an invite must mean that the bride considers you an important part of her family and wants you to witness a very special day and to be a part of it. I guess it depends if you feel a scene may be created by you attending by the other members of the family. Could you not attend the church service and maybe disappear early from the reception, at least she will know you went, and youdon't have to stay long. If not I think being economical with the truth is best, that your presence may cause unnecessary tension on what is after all her special day, you wish her all the best and are really looking forward to a visit from her and her new husband/seeing the video and/or photos of the what you are sure will be a lovely event. I hope you can resolve your differences prior to the wedding.
2016-05-21 04:18:03 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell them how much you appreciate the offer and their interest. Then, just tell them what you've written here. A lot of churches send out invitations and such to people who have visited. Don't worry about it. I'm sure they'll understand. As far as finding another church goes, look into some smaller ones. Or do you know any other families with autistic children? If you do, you might ask them where they go. Good luck.
2007-06-26 14:49:17 · answer #3 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Block their calls, and simply throw away the letters, then find a church that actually cares for the people it tends. A church is not such a great place if it excludes ANYONE, especially a disabled child. and tell your neighbour that you found a church that includes your son.
2007-06-26 14:48:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be pressured to stay is a little worrying. Just the fact that you are christians should satisfy your neighbours to make your own decisions on where you want to worship. If it does not satisfy your needs then dont compromise because of the persuasion of others. You know what is best for your children - trust your own instincts.
2007-06-26 15:36:46 · answer #5 · answered by The Rock 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give God a shot. Look inside you. Leave Religion to the Religious and don't take part in the things that they do. Why would anyone want to be a part of the organization that killed God's son.
2007-06-26 14:49:06 · answer #6 · answered by pickle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell them! Tell them their church is great but the spirit moves you to seek out someplace else. Tell them that you need to explore until you feel a spiritual connection that says you belong. Then go and seek. They won't mind. They will understand.
2007-06-26 14:48:58 · answer #7 · answered by dddbbb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Politely tell them all the things you said, the positive stuff, it's nothing personal, but you are looking for something different, whether that's something smaller and more personal, or more conducive to your child's special needs. Hopefully they are sensitive enough to back off.
2007-06-26 14:50:22 · answer #8 · answered by keri gee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you told them in the same way you wrote it in here. If not I would suggest you do so. It explains it quite nicely. Then tell them how much you appreciate there efforts on your behalf, you would like them to respect your decision and would like to remain friends. If they have the love of God in them, they will understand.
2007-06-26 14:53:57 · answer #9 · answered by jenx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call them up and tell them no thank you. And request that they not contact your minor children.
If asked why, tell them honestly. But be firm and make a clean cut.
2007-06-26 14:47:10 · answer #10 · answered by moondrop000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋