While the Bible does not directly say “go to church,” it strongly encourages Christians to assemble together, as seen in Hebrews 10: 24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” But my favourite passage that supports gathering with other believers is Matthew 18:20, where Jesus states, “For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them.” I believe God places great importance on us as a people fellowshipping and worshipping together. We cannot grow in our faith by being a “stand-alone” Christian. We all need each other, and Creator designed us for relationships.
We are learning how to be a part of a unified team while expressing our own individuality. Creator gave us all the gifts, abilities, and talents we have so that we can bless someone else. Christians should go to church to worship God our Creator, be strengthened by fellowship with other believers, and receive spiritual gifts and guidance. Church attendance is also seen as a way to fulfill Creator’s commands, grow in faith, and work together in the mission of the Church. The Church provides a community where believers can support and encourage each other. It is a place to share our own journey, receive counsel, and be challenged to grow in faith. It is a place where individuals can discover and use their spiritual gifts to serve others and build up the Body of Christ. We have the opportunity to hear the word of God preached, receive sacraments like Baptism and Communion, and be discipled by mature believers. The Church plays a vital role in sharing the Gospel and making disciples. It provides a structure and resources to accomplish this mission. In essence, going to church is not just about attending a service, but participating in a community of believers who are committed to growing in faith, serving others, and fulfilling God’s purpose.
For me, church was always a big part of my life. I was baptized and confirmed in a little Anglican-United Church, which sadly burned down in 2012. I went with my auntie, who raised me from 5 days old to 6 years old, and then I went with my granny until I was 12 years old. They were deeply rooted in the Anglican Church. I remember when I was young, the United folks sat on the left side of the church, and we sat on the right. The United attendees drank communion from small little glasses with Welch’s grape juice and ate bread. We drank wine from the chalice and wafers. I remember asking my granny if I could try communion their way. She sternly said, “No. We don’t do it that way.” She was definitely stuck in her ways. I just chuckle now when I think about it. But that was the only thing different; everything else was the same. We heard the same sermon, sang the same songs, worshiped together, and ate at the same table after church downstairs. We were a strong community, and I look back fondly at my time there. I just don’t miss the kneeling part. We were a family in the Body of Christ. We were strengthened by fellowship with other believers. I always knew the Church was a good place to be.
When I was 12, I was taken from my granny and put in Marymound School in Winnipeg, which was run by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who were Roman Catholic nuns. I remember once when my granny came to visit me, I indignantly told her that they made me attend a Catholic Church. She looked at me square in the eyes and said, “It’s all the same, my girl. Their prayers are a little different, but you’re praying to the same Creator. Listen to what they say.” So, when church came around, I listened and obeyed most times. I still didn’t like the kneeling, though. But I felt safe in the Sanctuary. And although my time spent there wasn’t easy, the sisters most certainly helped keep me in prayer and close to God.
After I left, I kept in close contact with them, and I would often go to do the rosary with my unit nun, Sister Bridgett. I carry my Catholic rosaries with me wherever I go to this day and pray with them. It is a welcome blessing for me and has brought me so much peace and comfort. When I went back home for visits, I would see my father use our medicines and traditions more and more — from smudging and pipe ceremonies to traditional dances. I’m so grateful today that I was able to learn so much. My dad explained that the church was no different and that we pray to the same Creator. He said that they have a church, we have a sweat, they have holy water, and we have our smudge, they have a rosary, and we have our tobacco ties, they have the 10 Commandments, and we have our 7 Sacred Teachings. We must all walk in a good way and have a good relationship with the Creator.
I was 16 ½ when I left Marymound and the Church, but I always had my faith, and I always prayed. I only attended church at Easter and Christmas. My three children were all baptized Anglican; I thought that was enough. It sure wasn’t! I had no spiritual growth with a community, and my children weren’t growing up knowing Christ like I had. Something always tugged at my heart, and I now know that it was the Holy Spirit. I asked Rev. Jamie Howison to baptize my last child, my daughter. He is a dear friend who has always been there for me, and he had already baptized my son and older daughter. He said of course he would, but he also said that I should be in church, and so should my children; the two visits a year didn’t cut it. He strongly suggested that I go to St. Mary Magdalene church and meet this “Father Bob” guy, and so I did.
When I walked into St. Mary Magdalene 27 years ago, it changed my life again. All of Creator’s promises were there, and it became my parish. I felt safe, and the sanctuary brought me peace. But we still have our life struggles, and in 2009, I left the Church again, and was going through a divorce from a very abusive marriage. I found alcohol, and for the next 5 years, I again only went to church on Christmas and Easter. My life was most definitely unmanageable and going downhill fast! I will always thank Father Bob from the bottom of my heart for never giving up on me. Through the grace of God, I walked into my first AA meeting, and another healing journey began. With all my humility, I walked through the church doors of St. Mary Magdalene again, only to be received with open arms, compassion, and love. I was back with the Body of Christ. And God our Creator has been leading the way! I am now 12 years sober, I’m newly married to an amazing man (Richard), and Epiphany Indigenous Anglican Church is my new home parish. I take all the love and friendships from my past parish as I move into a new Body of Christ.
I am now serving others and fulfilling God’s purpose. So, why should we go to church? I believe that when you fully embrace the church, God will show you the way and walk with you, no matter what, and will open doors that surpass all understanding. My story and my testimony are living proof of this.
