A while back the pastor in my old church (before we moved a few times ago) proclaimed community is in the schools. School is where you meet friends, spend a good part of your life, do sports and activities, etc.
At the time, my kids were in school and I disagreed. Sure, you meet people in school but I don’t believe it’s the center of community.
Yesterday, we went back to our old school for a book fair. Immediately upon walking in, I didn’t feel any sense of community. I saw some people we knew and chatted but that was about it. We bought some books and left. I didn’t feel any sense of belonging.
Maybe because we don’t belong any more.
Still, I was a bit surprised at the feeling. I had wanted to go and been looking forward to returning for a while now. I do have some great memories there as do my kids. As a homeschooler you always wonder if you are doing the right thing. If your kids shouldn’t be in a traditional school. If they are missing out on things. I fear I will always wonder this and feel a tad guilty over the fact.
We drove by our old church which is near the girls’ old school and my middle child asked if we’re ever going to go back there again.
On the drive home I thought about our new church this Sunday. We haven’t been for a couple of weeks. My kids have been sick. I missed both bible studies this week and it was a real bummer. We have trips planned so will be hit and miss for the next couple of weeks.
A feeling arose, like a longing or a pull, that I didn’t have with the school. I miss church. I miss God there (yes, I know. God is everywhere and you don’t have to go to church to experience Him) but as most of us know coming together with believers is what we are called to do and does fulfill a spiritual need within us. I miss the people. The community.
I had this argument with my husband after that message that Sunday long ago. My husband sided with the pastor. School is the center of community. I argued it was the church. It should be the church as it has always been and as I believe God intended.
But, my husband said, so many don’t go to church that schools have taken over. This fact I could not refute.
So, I guess the center of community is different for different people. For me, it’s the church. For others, it might be the school. Maybe it’s their local neighborhood. Or a community center.
Where is your community?
