“The most important thing that kept me going was the open friendliness of the people and being included in events”
– Linda Phelps, Langley, British Columbia
Well, in the 1970s, way back when I met my intended husband, I was new in the area of my chosen work, and I had always attended the Anglican Church during my youthful years while growing up in the Esquimalt area of Victoria on Vancouver Island. I attended the Anglican Church in the new town where I acquired work in the hospital. It was familiar and friendly, so I was comfortable there.
Before we were married, my intended encouraged me to go over and check out the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS church) where he was a priesthood member and get to know some of the people. I then encouraged a friend that I knew from my hometown to come with me. I must say I enjoyed the interactions and friendliness of the group very much and I kept my relationship to myself so that I could get a good feel for the people and not just be an add on to someone already a member. It was different from what I was used to at the Anglican Church. It was interesting to go into a group that made one feel welcome. The appeal was immediate and so, even though my friend continued at the Anglican church, I switched over and became part of the RLDS group.
Eventually, of course, we had to say that we had an attachment and were planning on marrying soon. But in the meantime, I got to know everyone quite well and when my parents came to live in town, I was able to get my mother involved, meeting new people with whom she became fast friends. I must say that scenario was unexpected because my mother and father were never interested in church. Mother and I enjoyed the church camps, going to conventions and getting to know everyone. Also, my nephews and nieces were invited to join in, and we had some lovely family times together at the RLDS churches in Chilliwack, British Columbia, and Samish Island, Washington.
I can say that the most important thing that kept me going was the open friendliness of the people and being included in events. I have found this same experience with other congregations as well when we travelled around the world over the years. I will say that although I enjoyed the Anglican Church, the formality of the gathering didn’t give me the same sense of belonging that the people of the RLDS, or Community of Christ, as we are now, gave to me and my family.
Into the future the best I can see is to have individuals invite and having good events that are interesting and outward-reaching. Basically, more of the best that we have. It is a lovely spiritual home to belong to. I thank the Lord for directing me to this community.
Before we were married, my intended encouraged me to go over and check out the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS church) where he was a priesthood member and get to know some of the people. I then encouraged a friend that I knew from my hometown to come with me. I must say I enjoyed the interactions and friendliness of the group very much and I kept my relationship to myself so that I could get a good feel for the people and not just be an add on to someone already a member. It was different from what I was used to at the Anglican Church. It was interesting to go into a group that made one feel welcome. The appeal was immediate and so, even though my friend continued at the Anglican church, I switched over and became part of the RLDS group.
Eventually, of course, we had to say that we had an attachment and were planning on marrying soon. But in the meantime, I got to know everyone quite well and when my parents came to live in town, I was able to get my mother involved, meeting new people with whom she became fast friends. I must say that scenario was unexpected because my mother and father were never interested in church. Mother and I enjoyed the church camps, going to conventions and getting to know everyone. Also, my nephews and nieces were invited to join in, and we had some lovely family times together at the RLDS churches in Chilliwack, British Columbia, and Samish Island, Washington.
I can say that the most important thing that kept me going was the open friendliness of the people and being included in events. I have found this same experience with other congregations as well when we travelled around the world over the years. I will say that although I enjoyed the Anglican Church, the formality of the gathering didn’t give me the same sense of belonging that the people of the RLDS, or Community of Christ, as we are now, gave to me and my family.
Into the future the best I can see is to have individuals invite and having good events that are interesting and outward-reaching. Basically, more of the best that we have. It is a lovely spiritual home to belong to. I thank the Lord for directing me to this community.
