We are shopping for a new church. The one that we had been going to is in our old neighborhood (no longer very convenient to get to) and I wanted the guys to make friends and to get involved in a church where they would actually see those kids during the week… at school, around the neighborhood… wherever.
When the pastor retired last June, we just kind of stopped going there. I’ve been keeping my eye out, but not actively searching. I’m not sure if it is the blogs I’ve been reading or just that it’s weighing on my heart, but now I’m actively looking.
There is a little starter church that meets in the community room at a park around the corner. Perfect. We gave it a try this morning. As we approached the park, we saw that a carnival that had been there yesterday was actually a weekend event and they were setting up again for the day….rides, games, booths, a band, BBQ and a Big! Giant! Slide!
Well of course as we were walking to the church service, Grant spied everything and was hopping with excitement about the slide. The slide! The slide! The slide! We told him, “Possibly after church, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
We went into the community room, checked things out and took Grant to the Sunday School room. Unfortunately, the Sunday School room had a beautiful view of the slide. Handsome Hubby gave Grant a very stern warning about behaving himself and basically if he didn’t shut up about the slide, it wasn’t going to happen for him at all. Grant said he understood and would be a good boy. Devin joined us for the adult service, but Conner and Mitch opted to stay in the Sunday School room with Grant.
After the service, I went to pick up the kids. Grant proudly presented me with a construction paper bookmark that had a bible verse and Grant scribbles on it. A frustrated Conner presented a sequential list of infractions that Grant had committed during Sunday School.
Conner’s List, as written:
- Screams “Be Quiet!”
- Hides behind chair during music
- Says “I’m gonna throw up” during the songs
- Pretends to sleep
- Very big yawn
- Kicked Mitch in the shin
- Big yawn again
- Tried to spit on me
- Made pig noises
- Doesn’t pay attention
- Sighed deeply
- Had to be reminded not to multiple times
- Kept leaving group
- Tried to escape
Needless to say, Grant did not get to go on the slide. In fact, he had to come home and take a nap (something he never does) because he was acting like such a bratty baby.
We had already come to the decision that this church was not the one for us, but Grant clinched the deal. We don’t think the Sunday School teacher would take him back again.
Little booger.
🙂 That list made me smile. My little boy is all grown up and off in law school…I sure do miss him.
This is our life! We have been debating and arguing and looking for a church. We are so afraid of the “acting out” in Sunday School. The cyring, screaming…etc. And what about the kids?! Just kiddin’. We worry about the 3 yr. old in a class. Without us. And our constant empty threats. What to do? Where to go? : )
Ha! You always make me laugh 🙂 We’re actually in a very similar boat. We’re looking for a new church home too 🙂
I don’t know what’s funnier…that he did all those things, or that his brother made a list!
You never cease to bring a smile to my day!
Sounds like our morning at church yesterday. We ended up in the private room when that’s where we should’ve started out.
T-ball just started for us this week too!! Sorry to confuse you. It really was too darn cute. Kyle’s my first so the novelty hasn’t warn off yet. 🙂
Hope you had a great weekend otherwise.
Much love from NJ,
Sue
xoxo
i would say try to find one that follows the bible instead of trying to lure people in with play equipment!!
good luck…
Read my church posts.
But don’t let ’em scare you.
Mr. is a pastor, and we just left our church.
His position as prison chaplain was ALWAYS our focus and ALWAYS our bread and butter, but the pastorate … came along.
(There really IS much to tell.)
I [heart] Grant. I really do.
I think that;s funny!
My BFF’s son just pulled his pants down on the play ground AT CHURCH and peed! So you haven’t actually hit bottom yet!
Is it just me or do I see a career as a Prison Warden in Conners future?
Oh, I remember those days. My daughter is almost 7 and definitly went through a stage like that!
oh so funny though!! Made pig noises ahhaahaaahaa. He sounds like a real character – I’m sure Deaglan won’t be much different at that age. I might as well laugh it up now.
I almost pee’d on myself. I love that Conner made a list! That sooo sounds like my Conner.
Thanks for the laugh, V!
Awe, that’s what big brothers are for…make a list of all the bad things you do and then give mom the list. So sweet! 😉 I have some brothers in my Sunday School class that I teach, and the older brothers all do that! It’s like when their dad is away, it’s their job to be on patrol. Grant is hilarious. He cracks me up. I love boys, they’re so much fun.
Oh, and on a side note. I think when I was little I came “this close” to being expelled from SS. I told the class about my weekend fishing ventures with my grandpa. When the teacher asked what kind of bait we used, I told her “little bastards” (my grandpa’s term for minnows). She shouldn’t have asked. I’m pretty sure all the kids went home asking their parents “what are bastards”? Lovely.
I love the list of infractions you were presented with 🙂 you have a future police officer there, perhaps! Finding a church that you’re comfortable in is so hard, isn’t it? I’d keep looking but we’ve been going to one for a while and it’s just ‘easy’ to go there; but maybe if I liked it better I’d go more?
Gosh, I don’t remember seeing you on Sunday…but my little guy had THE SAME REPORT from his sunday school teacher!
I’m thinking this church thing ain’t a working on this one!
Ughh!
He didn’t have to take a nap, but has had appropriate punishments enforced. (cause ya know he didn’t stop there…oh no! He was is rare form ALL Freakin day:)
I have just now emerged into bloggy world from my crazy weekend! My white flag is totally up and flying. They win. Hands down.
Yay!! Keep looking, God will lead you to the church he wants you at….
And don’t let a little acting out deter you from a church if ya’ll really like it….I worked in kids ministry for years and had WAY WORSE!! It is not a big deal….cause it is only an hour!!!
~Becca