easier, in some ways

[jay]

As the nominal "holiday" season moves into its more-intense mode... not just shopping and secular consumerism, but various spiritual or philosophical observances... in some ways, being on the road is easier than being at home, in that I'm not caught in-between the social and spiritual. Good friends are hosting pagan events... Yule or Solstice... today and next Tuesday. Many of my local SF-area friends are likely to be at one or both of these... if I were home they'd be unlikely to accompany me to a Christmas service, so I'd feel funny about joining their observances likewise as a non-participant guest. Even certain local parties with pagan overtones leave me feeling a bit uneasy at times, and I generally miss those that are tied to specific dates or observances. Meanwhile, even at our home church (St. Timothy's Episcopal, in Mountain View) I'm viewed there as an outsider, somewhat suspect because of my other relationships (and not allowed to serve in volunteer roles).

Last year, we stayed in CA and it felt a bit divisive or isolating around this time, for me. This year, that isn't an option... more a matter of deciding which local church to attend as visitors on Christmas. Easier, if still rather disconnected from friends and community.

Comments

[inflectionpoint.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry that you are treated this way in your parish. Do they also stone to death people who work on the Sabbath? And are women asked if they are unclean before approaching the altar?

I am sorry that you are treated this way, and hope that you can find a place in this parish or perhaps another where you are more fully loved and welcomed.

I left the catholic church for many reasons, but one of them was the fact that there was no recourse, and no mechanism for the redress of grievances. I have no intention of returning, but do hope that you can find a place where there is a mechanism for all to have their needs met and where things are not so completely top down. It sounds scary to me, if the sacraments of the church and the fellowship and welcoming of the parish are so much under the control of one or two people who are the recognized and appointed leaders.

Hugs and you are welcome to worship under the sky with me any time you wish.