Especially living in mainland areas visitors tend to be ignored. In HI, they are very obviously noticed and reached out to, etc (most of the churches have a putluck every Sabbath just so that tourists/visitors don't have to look for someplace to go after church). Here, visitors are very obviously noticed and reached out to as well.

In our former church in MI, depends on your demographics--if you had young children, most of the time you're ignored (the others of your demographic group are too busy with their own kids, and no one else wants to be bothered with small kids!). If you're young adult with no kids, you're welcomed right away by the leaders of the young adult group which was very active/flourishing/nurturing (the main area of growth in that church). If you're middle age, depends.

I just joined a SS group that my husband does NOT teach. Enjoyed my first week there. (actually studied the adult lesson for the first time in 7 years, which was really different!) We sit wherever the boys lead us to in church (hopefully not too near the front in case we need to make an exit!).

JimBob--I think about you and cell phones here. They are so prevalent in HK that there are some pretty bizarre things I've seen on the platform. Once the speaker's or translator's (I remember who it was, but don't remember if he was preaching or translating) mobile phone rang, and he just calmly handed it to someone else on the platform and went on speaking. Other times I've seen when our pastor is on the platform but not preaching, he's answered his phone and just talked right there on the platform, covering his mouth with his hand. No one thinks anything of it. Really strange. You'd love it!

M

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As far as I am concerned...there should be NOBODY else up on the platform when the speaker is delivering the message

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You would approve of my church JB where no one has sat up the front for years. Those involved sit in the front pew and go up to the desk on onto the rostrum as needed.

OTOH there are other things that would not make you happy there so dont rush to Oz to see us

thanks for the input..

down the yellow brick road....down the yellow brick road..
Toto, Toto..where are you???



What in the world did you do with your hair...you been to Hollywood??

What's your issue Jim Bob? You sound so angry about the SDA church, why would you stay in it at all???????
Go to your buddy's church and maybe you will find what you need.
You are so negative, this casts a bad light on the church for us new visitors considering joining.
Maybe I should go to the Baptist church down the street from me???

Kim

Or are you just being sarcastic, Jim Bob?
You sound serious with all this anger directed towards the SDA church. You should check out www.carm.org. They have a debate board on the church and there are a lot of people there that can't stand the SDA church.
I came here to find people that might like it.

Kim

Thanks for the question.

issue?...naaa..not singular...plural..issues.

Ever been to a restaurant you like because of the food, service and ambiance??

How about where the service is bad, the food is cold or cheap portions, the silverware is dirty, the glasses have lipstick on them, the waiter or waitress is rude..the place is noisy and filthy...
get it??

I am a baptized SDA for over 30 decades..but have been to other churches...especially the ones with very competent pastor teacher who teach the word in a clear and relevant way and the scripture exposure is much more than most SDA churches I have attended (with a very few encouraging exceptions)...and the people are friendly and there is reverence in the meeting place.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand this..
same thing aplies to TV, or movies...some are 4 star and some are dogs.


When the Baptist church will have the speaker mention righ from the pulpit to please turn off cell phones and also put it in the bulletin...when the speaker will usually have an interesting bible study with contemporary application ..with depth and intelligence...verses ..
the NFDMTTS of most inept SDA preachers...

Do some shopping ...
The SDA doctrine is closest to the bible compared to others..yet it is ignored in the preaching..
usually just shallow pablum..
Jesus loves you..this I know....
Keep your eyes on Jesus..
He will never leave you..
He forgives you..now
show me the money$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

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I am a baptized SDA for over 30 decades..

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Wow! This puts the advice of "Respect your elders" in a whole new light!

That's ok..

I have symptoms of 1/2heimer's so I forget things too..
Decade =10 years
century= 100 years

Sometimes I feel I am 300 years old though