Can I just go? Loooong absence.

[Motherlove]

I was baptised into the church at the age of 11, but became inactive from lack of support from my mother and hey a kid can't get to church herself.

It's now been nearly 20 years since I was active and my life has taken many twists and turns and I feel the need to return stronger than ever.

I'm a single parent with 3 beautiful children. The children's father and I never married and we have not live together for 5 years.

So I guess my questions are, can I just go to my local church to attend a service, or do I need to speak with the Bishop first? Do I need to have the discussions with the Missionaries again?

I've landed back in the same area as I was when I was baptised, can I go back to that congregation, or do I need to go to my closest one?

Will I be accepted back after all this time and will I be accepted even though I had children out of wedlock?

[pam]

I would try to find out what ward or branch you should go to based on boundaries. Attend Church and while there introduce yourself to the Bishop and maybe even make an appointment to chat with him. Let him help you with a course of action whether it be taking lessons again etc.

I can't speak for every ward or branch...but you should be welcomed back with open arms...even having children out of wedlock.

We all make mistakes..some of them pretty huge...so none of us have the right to judge. I know...that is easier said than done...but just jump right back in. You'll be glad you did..and would be great for your children as well.

[Palerider]

You can go back and no need to speak with your Bishop about this at first. You could ask about being re-taught and not sure of the age of your kids but it might be good for them to. I hope your return goes good for you.

[mnn727]

No problem, going back. You'll be welcomed with open arms. No need to contact anyone, you can just show up, but it might be helpful at some point to contact the missionaries to be re-taught the basics, they'll also be happy to meet you at Church and guide you and your children to classes.

[Motherlove]

Thanks for your replies.

I have an 11 year old son and 2 daughters, 5 and 4 and I really think it will be good for them too.

I'm really looking forward to heading back to church this Sunday, can't wait!

[Truegrits]

Hi Motherlove...welcome :)

I also was inactive for manymany years. I drifted away at 18. My parents were not very active at that time, and I met and married, (at 20) a non-member. Long story short...I "felt" that I needed to go back; this feeling grew and grew, till I could no longer deny it. I looked up the Church in the phone book, and on the next Sunday my son and I were at the Church bright and early. There were no other cars there. But I waited...and waited. Eventually, I realized no one was coming. We went back home. During the week I called the Church, and asked about times, etc., and asked why there was no service the previous week. Wouldn't you know it...I chose to return on the Sunday of Stake Conference...LOL...which was obviously NOT at my building!

The next Sunday my son and I attended Church. We were greeted and welcomed warmly. The Relief Society Pres. made a point of taking me to the meetings and taking my son to Primary.

I did not have to 'take' lessons. I did have to wait a year before going to the Temple...but, I had a Calling within the month...LOL

Soooo, go back...things will fall into place.

However, this is General Conference weekend...

[mnn727]

TrueGrits is right, it is General Conference this weekend. Broadcasts at (in the Central Time zone) 11 AM and 3PM Sat and Sun. No regular meetings.

If your local building has a Satellite dish, it'll be playing there. Also shown on BYU-TV for Dish Network and DirectTV and some cable systems

[MoeWymer]

Some boat but I found that everyone quite supportive in our small branch and they still are. You don't need to see the Branch President or Bishop to go, they let you come to them when you feel the time is right for you. Been back for 3 months now and feeling much better for my daughter and me.

[Motherlove]

Thank you Truegrits, that is very handy to know! I'm going to try and get a hold of someone today from my local meetinghouse and find out if the regular meeting is still being held, would it be different for different countries? I'm in Australia and you guys(accept for Moewymer) are in the US.

[Vanilla]

I found people very supportive when I went back to church Mother...I am sure you will find the same reaction there! :-)

[mnn727]

Thank you Truegrits, that is very handy to know! I'm going to try and get a hold of someone today from my local meetinghouse and find out if the regular meeting is still being held, would it be different for different countries? I'm in Australia and you guys(accept for Moewymer) are in the US.

It might be different in Australia due to the time difference.