No Handshakes
@just4him (308672)
Green Bay, Wisconsin
October 9, 2016 3:37pm CST
This weekend was the best I've had in a very long time. With all the changing churches that I've done this year trying to find one I can fit in, I finally did that and this weekend I met and made some new friends.
This morning at church during the meet and greet I didn't shake one hand, I got hugs and lot of them. It was a new day for me. I finally feel accepted by my new church family.
Church was also powerful this morning. The sermon was on the Power and Fire of the Holy Spirit. Not only was the teaching powerful, but the whole service was powerful. Worship ushered in the Holy Spirit in such a way that people flooded the altar with tears and praise. The teaching brought a new kindling of the Holy Spirit in many lives, including my own. I feel like a new person, and I'm so happy the days of handshakes are over and I'm being greeted by hugs from the many new friends I made this weekend.
God is so GOOD setting me in this awesome place with so many awesome people who just know how to love God and dwell in his presence.
I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend and Sunday. Thanks for reading.
The image is mine from the Women's Retreat this weekend - That's Spencer Lake
15 people like this
14 responses
@AmbiePam (85983)
• United States
9 Oct 16
It's funny how people interpret thing so differently. I once hugged a lady at our church who had been a few times and she told me that's what lesbians do. Ever since then, unless I know them well, I stick with hand shakes. I'm a hugger, but I guess I have to be aware not everyone is. I just grew up in a hugging church, so...
4 people like this
@just4him (308672)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Oct 16
Oh now that one is new to me. I'm a hugger, have been since I became a Christian 36 years ago. I'm always blessed to receive a hug.
@just4him (308672)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Oct 16
@Susan2015 No it wasn't nice.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
9 Oct 16
I only hug people at church that are my long time friends, I am not into hugging people I don't know well unless they are in distress.
3 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (80171)
• United States
10 Oct 16
Happy to hear that you found a church that's a good fit for you
2 people like this
@just4him (308672)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Oct 16
Yes, it took a while. I went to two other churches before I found this one.
@just4him (308672)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Oct 16
I really was hoping for that positive reaction from the retreat, so it was the best trip ever on all levels.
@shivamani10 (11038)
• Hyderabad, India
10 Oct 16
yes. you are lucky to have an opportunity to sit in the company of awesome people in a good atmosphere.
2 people like this
@just4him (308672)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Oct 16
Yes I am. I love the people there and the teaching is right on.
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
10 Oct 16
Churches like that are very rare. I know the one I go to, we have already been told we are family (family as in invited to family gatherings, not church functions) Because both my husband and I have lost our parents, we have 3 siblings between us that are somewhat local (that is, within a 2 hour drive) but only one do we occasionally interact with, the others have moved on. So in reality, when it comes to family, the shul is where ours is.
And it isn't just me. A woman came the other night for the second time and mentioned how she needs to get her mom there, because she never has felt so much love from a congregation than where I go.
So, if you are ever in the area, you are more than welcome to join us. 
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8084)
• United States
13 Oct 16
@just4him It is and I just spent the last 40 evenings with them and getting ready to spend another 8 full days with them. They are wonderful.
1 person likes this
@just4him (308672)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
12 Oct 16
Yes it is. I finally feel like I'm part of the church.
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
15 Oct 16
being hugged, being touched....is so important. not having that in my life is really bothering me.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
23 Oct 16
@just4him Ive pondered volunteering at an infant ward at one of the local hospitals, baby cuddles sound amazing
1 person likes this
@just4him (308672)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
25 Oct 16
@Jessicalynnt Now that would be awesome! I'm sure they would love to have some volunteers to hug the babies.
1 person likes this
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
9 Oct 16
I'm glad you feel at home with your new church family.... sounds like you had a great morning servicetoo..
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40094)
• Laguna Woods, California
10 Oct 16
That is wonderful! Friendliness makes a real difference in a church. The first time we visited our church after our last move, the choir director opened a window near us. Then she came over and said, "Make yourself at home. If it gets too chilly during the service, just hop up and close the window." I loved her friendliness and still love the church.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40094)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Oct 16
@just4him - Yes, it is always reassuring to find a church that makes us feel welcome and comfortable.
1 person likes this
@sandeep468 (197)
• India
10 Oct 16
very nice besides hand shake hug is more important today for love in human being
1 person likes this
