Finding Faith

Finding Your Faith

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BY KATRINA TAUCHEN

In Tiger Town, faith and spirituality are there for anyone who seeks them, from those who choose to worship every Sunday to those who simply are looking for spiritual exploration. It’s a diverse, inclusive city, home to places for faithbased observance with allegiances to belief systems from both Western and Eastern philosophies.

“Having lived in four different states, I can say from experience that getting connected to the community is essential to feeling at home, like you belong,” says Carol McEntyre, pastor of First Baptist Church in Columbia. “When you relocate to a new place, you can either get involved and become part of that community’s fabric or be a bystander.

It’s much more fulfilling and rewarding to get involved.”

Local faith-based organizations can be wonderful resources to learn more about your community and the people in it. Even more, they have the potential to provide you with a built-in support system from the moment you walk in the door.

“I have two young children and no family in town to help care for them,” McEntyre says. “Having a community of faith to help mentor and care for my children is essential.”

Here are a few ways you can get plugged in to Columbia’s faith community:

1. Take a class Like many faith-based organizations in town, Calvary Episcopal Church offers adult education throughout the week, including a Newcomer/Inquirer Class for those who want to learn more about

the Episcopal church. Additionally, Adult Forum meets on Sundays from 9:45 to 10:25 a.m. to talk about church history, theology and various social issues.

The Crossing hosts newcomers’ brunches for visitors who want to learn more about the church and get connected. It’s a casual meal with some of the church pastors, held at various times throughout the year. The church also offers Adult Connection Class to help participants develop a more biblically informed faith.

2. Join a small group Life Groups at Forum Christian Church help people connect to one another and the community in a relaxed, casual environment. These groups meet in homes around town throughout the week and cover a variety of topics.

Community United Methodist Church hosts Sunday morning adult small groups as well as others throughout the week. For the majority of these and similar groups hosted by other local churches, the goal is to build community while promoting Christian education.

3. Connect with other parents Mothers of Preschoolers is an international organization for expecting moms or moms of infants to preschoolers who are looking for support, friendship and encouragement. Created in 1973 by eight women in Colorado, MOPS groups meet in more than 60 countries. In Columbia, these groups are hosted regularly at First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, Grace Bible Church and Woodcrest. For moms of school-age children, MOMSnext groups usually meet twice a month — or more or less depending on the specific group. Visit mops.org to learn more.

Additionally, churches might offer groups tailored specifically for women or men, where you can get to know other parents; research a church near you to see your options. Columbia’s Compass Evangelical Free Church, for example, offers men’s ministry groups that “forge men of character, loving husbands and dads that disciple,” according to its website. 4. Enjoy special programming A lot of faith-based organizations offer events that are open to the entire community, regardless of whether you attend there for worship. Many churches offer vacation Bible school during the summer months, as well as day cares and preschools housed on their campuses. First Baptist’s preschool and children’s ministry, First Kids, recently hosted a kids’ night out with Jabberwocky, a nonprofit that teaches children how to dance.

“The kids had a great time dancing the night away, as did the parents, who were able to drop their kids off and have an evening out,” McEntyre says.

First Baptist also hosts six to seven concerts per year through the Odyssey Chamber Music Series, which focuses on classical music. Other faith-based organizations bring in special guest speakers, host parents’ night out, trivia nights and more. Check out the organizations’ online calendars for a full listing of events.

5. Volunteer Serving others is a great way to connect with your new town, and many faith-based organizations facilitate volunteer opportunities in house and throughout the community. Missouri United Methodist Church is looking for volunteers to help with daily business, including answer phones, making photocopies and greeting newcomers. They also promote volunteering at 15 organizations including the Central Missouri Food Bank, CROP Hunger Walk, Granny’s House, Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. l