I know I have not updated in awhile, I will be doing so…as soon as I can. I’ve not been highly motivated by much online lately. Partially due to added workload from HP, also the kids have begun Soccer and school (this Thursday) and its having an affect on our schedules and free time.

But, that aside…I had to vent this.

Long ago, in a world and time far, far away, I was a Christian. I was baptized Lutheran and was raised by Non-Denom parents, even did a stint as a Missionary kid for quite a few years. Growing up we went to churches that had small buildings or met at schools or warehouse buildings. It was my understanding growing up that Christ did not require such fanciness as I was made aware of today, and that folks like Benny Hinn were the polar opposite of the Bible’s/Christ’s teachings.

About 7 years ago my faith in the teachings of Christ, in how they applied to MY life, began to diminish. At the time, I was attending a church with my Mother in Rocklin (which neighbors the town I live in of Roseville). It was a “new” church, Non-Denom and was meeting in a high-school cafeteria. The congregation was sincere and filled with “good people”. My mom and I were involved in the Choir, and as many other church activities as would fit in our schedule. About a year into our affiliation, and quite a few tithes later, they purchased a large chunk of land on top of a hill and began building the church they had shown plans for. It was a nice building, and was more than sufficient for the needs the Church had at the time. They had plans to build another building that was to be used for Pre-K/K purposes, and having small children at the time, I thought this was fantastic, and a good use of funds, but still…I was feeling more and more disconnected.

It was not long before I moved out of state and had the ability to fully investigate and fall in love with the beliefs of Wicca. It was a set of beliefs and practices that spoke to me, my heart…and that made sense. I could see its practical every day uses, as well as the ability to expand and grow my spiritual being. I through myself into head over heels, and didn’t look back.

When Dan and I moved back to CA a couple of years ago and I got the job here at HP, I soon had reason to notice the church I had once called “home”. It was so big that it could be seen from the Freeway which was 3 miles from the actual driveway to the church. Its utterly massive. More buildings, more parking, more lights….amazing. I marveled at its growth, but not having kept in contact with anyone that I once knew from the congregation, it was merely a location that I could point out to Dan and say, “that’s where I used to go to church.”.

Today I was speaking with one of my co-workers and making plans to meet up with him and his wife sometime for dinner. I made the comment that I knew they were members of this church, and didn’t want to make plans that would conflict with their service schedule. He responded as such:

Me: Possibly Sunday as well (but I know you guys go to **Church A**….wasn’t sure what service)

Him: Actually we go to **Church B**, and we go to the Saturday night service. We did used to go to **Church A**, but when they put up their “1 million sold” sign up out front we decided to find a smaller place.

Me: 1 Million sold?? do I EVEN want to know??

Him: McDonalds used to have a sign under their normal sign saying “1 million burgers sold”. Right before we left **Church A**, they opened their multi-million dollar building that seats like 10,000.

Me: *sigh*

I am literally sick to my stomach when I think about it. There are so many families in this area that are barely keeping their heads above water (like Dan and I) so many kids that could use with decent schools/supplies, so many organizations that could use the help….but “Church A” has instead invested its funds into a campaign that is much akin to the up selling of “would you like fries with that?”. If I super size my Sunday morning service, does that mean I get a two hour sermon instead of 50 minutes? Or does it mean that I get a full Orchestra instead of just a heart felt guitar, piano and a few lovely voices?

This is one of the driving reasons I fled from Christianity.

Greed.

Now, if you excuse me, I need to get back to that job that barely pays my rent.

/bitter