New to the area and looking to make some friends

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Hey OP, I suggest going on the campus of Univ. of Calif, Irvine (UCI) as a way to meet ppl, there is always so much going on there. I have read your other posts...did you find a temp place to live before your family comes?

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by thisplacesucks

Hey OP, I suggest going on the campus of Univ. of Calif, Irvine (UCI) as a way to meet ppl, there is always so much going on there. I have read your other posts...did you find a temp place to live before your family comes?

A good suggestion.

[rgb123]

meetup.com is the best way to meet people in most areas I've found, OC has some great hiking meetups that are well organized and friendly...and very large, new people joining all the time.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Fran66

No -- it's not an assumption at all. About 10-15 years ago, a polling outfit took a poll of church attendees re why they went to church. The No. 1 reason was: to have someone with me when I die. The second reason was: to make friends/have a community. I forget what No. 3 was. The FOURTH ONE was: to worship and to learn about God. I can't remember the name of the polling outfit -- I've tried to find it over the past few years because another pastor wanted to look at it, and I haven't been able to locate it. But I well remember my pastor and the church board (which I was on) sitting around our table, talking about this. And the consensus was this: at least people were going to church and they had to be learning something about 'God'. The reasons why they were going to church was not our concern.

You're right -- I'm not a believer and haven't been most of my life. I've also never pretended that I was; I have been very upfront about it. And I've never been shunned by a congregation. I do think/believe that someone/something/whatever 'created' The Universe. But whoever/whatever is it -- so far it's WAY beyond our knowledge and comprehension. However, I don't ridicule nor try to 'convert' those who do believe. We're all just "limping out way to The Light".

Fran66 and OP,

You will and should be welcome in most churches. Please, please do yourself a big favor and take whatever you hear on CD with a *Huge* grain of salt. Many times ppl come here with an ax to grind which reflects more on their own personal frustrations, issues, insecurities, fears, etc... than you.

As long as you are honest with yourself and other folks that's all that matters. Never will a priest or pastor tell you go away or come back when you a believer. That's complete and utter non-sense and not even biblical. Otherwise no one would ever go to church to begin with and potentially grow in their knowledge of God. Ppl go to potentially learn something and get to know others. Sometimes there is more emphasis on one than the other. Everyone is at a different place in their life journey. While I know where some well meaning Christians are coming here there is room for all in God's house including non-believers. Honesty with God, oneself and others wherever you are along that journey is what is important. There is nothing wrong with that at all. As a believer I would be happy to befriend you and the OP and introduce you to my family. I applaud you for wanting to get to know others even if you do not always view things in the same way. Jesus was a friend of sinners (which we all are, BTW), tax collectors and the friendless. We should all learn from his example even in our feeble nature.

BTW, frustrated believer friends I do not know your circumstances or want to debate why you think this way. It's your choice to do so. Just don't close your heart to anyone who is not like you. You might be surprised by what you will find.

Derek

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by MtnSurfer

Fran66 and OP,

You will and should be welcome in most churches. Please, please do yourself a big favor and take whatever you hear on CD with a *Huge* grain of salt. Many times ppl come here with an ax to grind which reflects more on their own personal frustrations, issues, insecurities, fears, etc... than you.

As long as you are honest with yourself and other folks that's all that matters. Never will a priest or pastor tell you go away or come back when you a believer. That's complete and utter non-sense and not even biblical. Otherwise no one would ever go to church to begin with and potentially grow in their knowledge of God. Ppl go to potentially learn something and get to know others. Sometimes there is more emphasis on one than the other. Everyone is at a different place in their life journey. While I know where some well meaning Christians are coming here there is room for all in God's house including non-believers. Honesty with God, oneself and others wherever you are along that journey is what is important. There is nothing wrong with that at all. As a believer I would be happy to befriend you and the OP and introduce you to my family. I applaud you for wanting to get to know others even if you do not always view things in the same way. Jesus was a friend of sinners (which we all are, BTW), tax collectors and the friendless. We should all learn from his example even in our feeble nature.

BTW, frustrated believer friends I do not know your circumstances or want to debate why you think this way. It's your choice to do so. Just don't close your heart to anyone who is not like you. You might be surprised by what you will find.

Derek

Wow, talk about stealing a thread!

[Fran66]

Originally Posted by thisplacesucks

Wow, talk about stealing a thread!

If this thread was stolen, it started with rgb123.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

Originally Posted by Fran66

If this thread was stolen, it started with rgb123.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by thisplacesucks

Wow, talk about stealing a thread!

Some things just need to be said, especially when directed at the OP regarding getting to know ppl is his new community including visiting some local churches. Many members of those churches started in the same way.

Derek