Hi All

I have already posted this in the family section but will put here too 🙂

I have joined this site in an attempt to find where I fit I the Christian world. My husband and I have not attended church for about 10 years due to the constant bigotry and judgmental attitudes that seem to be everywhere. I am not sure if I should be here so please tell me if I am overstepping here.

My story is a long one but I will try to be brief. My parents seperated when I was very little and my father lived with his 'best friend' in another state. Around my 20th birthday I realised that my dad was gay and had been in a loving relationship this whole time. I was quite upset, not because of his sexuality but because I had spent so long hoping that he would find a partner and worrying about him being lonely. All was fine though as it was a relief to know he had been in a loving relationship that whole time. Unfortunately that relationship ended soon after and Dad spent a few years single. He now has an amazing partner who loves and respects him, as we still live in different states it is such a weight off my mind to know he is in a loving relationship with a wonderful man and to see him so happy.

My mum has also remarried and has been happily married for many years so in my family it is all happy endings, we are truly blessed

I also teach in a school that is very multicultural and as a result I interact with many people of different religions. I would really like to get involved in a Christian community again but am very wary of attending anywhere as they must a)support gay relationships and gay marriage, b) be accepting and respectful of other religions and c) be fairly local so I feel connected to my local community.

I am located in bayside Melbourne and I think the reason this is weighing so heavily on my mind is because we are finally about to have our first child and I want him to be involved in a loving christian community.

Anyway I hope to be able to contribute to your community and I am looking forward to getting to know you

Anna

Wow thanks for the super quick response and lovely welcome. I will post over in our stories now. I would be very interested in attending the meetings you suggested. How do I find a member to message them?

In regards to what type of service I prefer, to be honest I am not too sure. Probably not one that is hugely evangelical, as I tend to find it all a bit awkward, I like the idea of a hub group but worry that it wouldn't give me the bredth of theology and sense of a broader community that I am craving.. I don'tthink I will want to attend every week as we are already pretty busy (but perhaps our priorities will change once bubba is here). Am I making sense? I tend to be a bit scattered at times.

Hi again Anna

Chris mentioned Bayside church and I can say that the pastor is certainly very accepting and a lovely person. The services are quite pentecostal though but then as Chris mentioned they may have bible studies or small group activities that suit you. It might be worth checking out anyway.

Blessings,

Ann Maree

Hi Anna

Hope your journey is a positive one thanks for sharing. I hope your finding a place that your fitting in. It is a wonderful feeling when you know you belong. It has taken me almost 10 years

Regards

Aaron