Become aware that you are a role model and act accordingly. Part 2

One way to be a role model is to attend church regularly. I grew up attending Goshen City Church of the Brethren, which is located in Goshen. My father and grandfather grew up in this church too, so we have a long history with the church. When I lived at home we went to church 3 times a week, Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday evening. Sunday morning we went for worship services and Sunday school. Sunday evenings was for youth group and Wednesday evenings was a church meal and choir practice. My parents taught Sunday School faithfully for years and the example was set for me that attending church regularly is important.

When I started college and was off on my own for the first time it was difficult to convince myself to get up for church on Sunday mornings. The first semester of my freshman year I did a pretty good job a going somewhere with a few friends, but I quickly lost interest and it was much easier to get a few extra hours of sleep on Sunday mornings instead of getting up, getting ready, and driving to church.

Even though I enjoyed sleeping in, I started realizing that something was missing from my life without church. I missed the weekly worship services and a connection to a larger Christian community. During my sophomore year of college I was asked to help start a campus worship service for college aged students. College Mennonite church was interested in offering a service that would draw college students. The fruits of our labor was Morning Song, an 11am worship service, led by students. It was heavy on singing and also included a short homily. Most weeks I was helping with something in the service. Whether it was worship leading, giving a homily, or playing music, I was involved several times a month. The final three years of college were some of the most spiritually fulfilling times in my life. I loved being involved and felt nurtured in this setting.

Since I have finished college my husband and I have tried out many churches. We have been married for five years and still have not decided on a church home. I often end up at my home church as a default. We continue to look because we feel it is important to have a church home. Until then we will keep visiting and hopefully soon we will find a church to call home.