update!
I talked with God and Christians about my experience.
And after the hours/few days of seeking God on the matter,
I went to the same church.
I went to see if I might see her, but I also went to attend the Wednesday portion of the church gathering.
And I cannot tell you enough... how much my heart was touched:
The music spoke to me (I read a book called crossbearers today, and one of the songs reminded me of that.)
The preacher did not jump me, but he did welcome me. And the prayer service was bathed in Scripture and
tactful-spiritual preparation for going into the community and world.
They mentioned people to visit and asked who would do this?
They mentioned people sick or without family or this or that.
And they prayed, one by one, for those named.
Everyone was prayed for and the message was about God, Spirit, Jesus.
And how we can and should will overcome through Christ who strengthens.
If this was not enough,
this new church (new to me) had someone I knew.
A woman I bumped into while at a Wendy's.
She was utterly overflowing with grandmotherly joy in Jesus.
And she and I exchanged a familial hug of thanksgiving.
I mean, I literally, forgot why I went to the church.
Because I was absorbing the welcome, the witness, and the Word.
Then, to top it off, there is a man who just moved back into the area who is about my age.
I had opened up because he seemed a welcoming pal.
Well, even though not much was said before the service, I learned through the prayer time that he witnesses specifically to muslims. This is HUGE for timing! Because I just noticed an old church that is now converted into a mosque. And God has told me the past few days to prepare for the new witness situation.
The chances?!
So.... in short... I know this is where I belong for a few pages or a chapter of my life.
I know that God has led me to this congregation for the purpose of witness partners.
While the music compelled me on night one, and the woman caught my attention; on night two,
it was the effervescent community of outreach-oriented spirit that tugged on my heart.
Now, this does NOT knock the previous places where I've attended.
They all have pointed to Christ and welcomed me.
But this one, there is something different about it.
The missional concern is congregationally accepted.
(I'm still praying about that woman with the notebook)