Twinky

My shiny new fiance is a very kind man, a devout Christian since his too-long-ago youth, strong supporter of his church and many worthy activities to help under-privileged and needy folk, generous with his time, money, and his heart, soul, mind and strength. He was the Safeguarding officer at his church - that is, the person responsible to whom abuses of any kind within the church community are reported; and then he independently ensures that allegations are investigated and appropriate action taken. So no surprises at abuse by "spiritual overseers" in church settings, and learning of church ministers and leaders who've done wrong in this respect. It would be some 11 years or so ago, when I felt safe talking to him about the abuses (many) that had happened to me, and he's been wonderfully patient and understanding over the time since then in helping me move to a very good place in my life now. And I have helped him in overcoming his grief and loneliness by my "just being there" when his wife of nearly 50 years together (not all married), died of a nasty disease, before we met. A good friendship has grown into = well, we get married on 6 September!

I was engaged, got engaged during my last year in rez. Was immediately sent to another campus, away from the beloved. Then on graduation we went to another country. There was so much interference from the Area Coord and the Country Coord and nothing I did (or didn't do) was right in their eyes (whether I had actually done alleged thing or not; I was condemned repeatedly for a lot of things beloved did), and beloved was also under suspicion for not having me cowed and under his thumb, basically. When finally they flung me out most ignominiously, he went back to HQ and was received by Dorothy O with open arms. And I was M&A. For why? I followed an example set by my beloved!

I'm getting married! This is still something of a surprise and a wonder to me. Am I excited, or terrified? Happily expectant, or scared of the future? Thinking it's just the best, or just the weirdest thing, that I'm in process of? Deliriously joyful, or just plain delirious? All of these things, from time to time, and sometimes simultaneously. It's a month since it was agreed, and I'm still sort of getting my head around it. I can tell you one thing. NO, that's NO, bloody church leader, or anyone else for that matter, is going to interfere.

Not so sure about that. As an "International," the way I use a knife and fork are very different from the way Americans use these utensils. Dorothy always said that we should keep our own "national" table manners, and eat appropriately - but neatly! We Internationals weren't encouraged to eat American-style.

A good newspaper article. Off topic, but sort of relevant.

That's funny, George. But the type of people who might owe >$100m are also the sort who have trusts, corporations, "charitable foundations," etc and various other tax dodges so that they pay little tax. I know everyone hates paying tax. But I spent a bit of time on the dole/claiming social security/unemployment allowance (a pathetic amount) and then set up a small business as self-employed. I was quite happy when I first had to start paying tax. It meant that I'd managed to acquire a liveable amount of income!

Great to see you, Belle. It's been a long time.

They only just realise this????? Though I'm wondering what "just how much we could do for our community" really means. Seems to me more like, they've just realised they can make more $$$ hiring out this asset that is otherwise sitting vacant. It could be a wonderful restful space for those in physical difficulty - recovering after a long illness, cancer treatment, etc, for example. Or for FREE holidays for people in the area with little money. Can't see that happening, though.

Charlene, maybe you should go - with a stack of Undertow books. Your appearance has changed since you left. Wear a big hat and sunglasses. You could get away with it for a few hours. How funny would that be!!!!! Oh and some earplugs too. You don't want to listen to the BS and the repetitive songs.

More like, MISadventure with us. Don't stay too long, folks.

Hi Ex member. Glad you escaped, sounds like "more of the same." This sounds like some group you are well away from (I know nothing of it personally). Do feel free to read and post here about any issues you've encountered, or any hurt that you may have. We've all "been there" (in the parent cult). We understand...sadly.

Some interesting ideas, there, Raf. Good cause to exercise critical thinking skills.

????????

That's cool, Charity. There's a fair few St Andrews churches around. That's about 100 miles away. The rapture? I dunno. I have known people who are really rapturous about it. Thesssalonians talks about a gathering together in the sky (I think that's "the rapture"). I think some of that could be figurative language. I live in hope and expectation of the return of Jesus, which could be in my lifetime or some time after that. As a new young (adult) Christian, I was so excited and hoped that every day would be The Day. It's a bit more of a deep, slower burn now. But as it is beyond me to affect when any "gathering together" may (or may not) occur, in the meantime, I'm getting on with loving God and loving my fellow humans as best I can. Some days I'm better at that than others. Theologian-types can get really hung up on minutiae. And there are all sorts of fancy names for religious theories, rituals, bells, smells, garments, items used in church services. I care for absolutely none of that. I keep things as simple as I can. Live decently.

Are you on the right church's website, Charity? This is StACC/Holy Trinity Combe Down (HTCD) (two of the four churches in the benefice). St Andrew's Community Church, Foxhill | HTCD