Comming back to the church...

[Style]

Hello,

Well it has been some years since I stepped inside a Lds church, and even longer to actually attend services.

As I was walking to the store today, I was waiting at a stop light, as two elders walked up to me. I have alwase talked with them in my years of inactive, but today it was nice talking with them. More then the fact of talking to them because I have had friends go on missions, and out of respect for my friends that were, but today I wanted to talk with them on my own accord.

Well now after talking with them I am thinking of giving it another shoot, I know that I have not made the greatest choices as to what I have been involved in in the past few years. (I havnt gone to church since I was about 17 and I am now 25) But I am very shy, and in dooing this I would be going back alone, and I do know that people are very friendly to those comming to church for there first time, though at my old ward I had felt that those that came back after being inactive were strewn aside somewhat.

I no longer speak with any of the people I had gone to church with when I was younger, nor does any of my family go anymore.

For going back to church, what type of ward would suit me best ? A singles ward, regular ?

I have not been one to great with crowds of people, and am a bit nervious in even new yet old settings.

Any advice ?

[Heather]

Do you have any friends near by who are active? Maybe it would be easier if you attended with them for a few weeks.

[Style]

I grew up about 45 min away from where I currently live. Shortly there after leaving the church, I got involved with a not so great crowd, and was shunned by most of those that I talked to for the new associations I had with the new group I was hanging out with. The last time I was in a church was for a family friend who had passed away. In that I talked to a few people from that ward I used to go to, and had found out most of the age group I knew had moved out of state. So as to now, I do not know any active members.

[Jbs2763]

i was also away from church for a while, but i had the abilty to go back to my home branch that i grew up in, i found people as freindly as possible, where in the country do you live? are you in the utah/idaho area or somewhere that doesn't have such a high concentration of LDS? I am currently in a singles ward and that might be the best bet for you, even tho you might find one that is a littly "clique-y" but for the most part every ward I've ever attended has been super freindly

[Mahonri]

If you are 25 and single, and a singles ward is close by, I would suggest the singles ward.

Immerse yourself again. Go to all of the activities and get as involved as you can. Go see your Bishop and tell him you are back. Talk to him about where you have been and where you want to go.

God bless you as you continue your journey.

[NateHowe]

First off, great decision.

Second, it was good to talk with you in the chatroom earlier.

Third, a suggestion. Go to the meetinghouse locator (Mormon.org - Worship With Us - Extended)

THEN, once you have found the ward into which your neighborhood falls, go to the phone book. In the white pages, you can usually find a phone number for the bishop of each ward, listed by ward under "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Call your bishop and let him know your situation. Maybe meet with him personally. Tell him your concerns, in person or over the phone. This does two things for you: first, it will solidify your commitment to show up on Sunday. Second, you will have somebody looking for you on Sunday so you won't have to feel like an absolute stranger when you show up.

All the best - I look forward to hearing how it goes.

[Winnie G]

Hi Style,

I have been were you are at many years ago.

I was 18 when I joined 1977.

Like you I just happen to run across two elders and thought maybe I should give it a 2nd chance? 1984.

Now I have a calling as a ward missionary.

I will give you the advice I give to all those wanting to give it a go again.

Call the elders and ask them to teach you the discursions.

This not only builds the good foundation for you but also gives the elders a chance to teach and grow with you.

Ask if they can come to your home or the home of a member willing to share their time with you.

This is the way to go a fresh start.

When my boyfriend /husband investigated the church he took the discursions at a church members house, friends of mine.

He felt less presser then if it had been at my apartment.

That was the third time I witnessed and participated in this learning opportunity. I learned more the 2nd and third time the first.

I understood more and found a stronger faithful commitment fallowed.

Make the call, write me if you like, I will answer any questions you might have.

[Guest AutumnBreez]

I agree, my first thought was the same. Get in the discussions.

Start praying tonight at your bedside. You will gain strength and feel even better then when meeting the Missionaries again on the street.

You knew that it was right when you began conversation with them there.

I just returned after 12 years of being inactive. When they came to my door where I now live, I welcomed them, then reserved, then welcomed them again with open heart. My reasons more then being shy. I was scared and knew I had alot of work to come back, I faced the issue and did this last fall. My youngest was also baptised this fall. My oldest son is not there yet fully but has formed friends with other members and today said he was going to start going to seminary. He is going to be 16 this month and is more into the social portion but know that the Spirit is working with him. The other kids are helping alot. I know if you follow the Spirit, you will have JOY! Listen and act upon.

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wants you to return.

[Palerider]

Good luck to you and your return back....hope and pray it goes well for you....:)

[Vanilla]

Good Luck to you Style!

It isn't easy, but it won't be as bad as you might think it will be. Speaking from personal experience, it is sure worth it!