first post!

So. About the church group that I belong to. Well, for the past 11 years (and still counting), I've been part of the CLVC choir, which sings for the Saturday sunset mass. Yes, I know 11 years is a really long time, but being there has made me the Christian that I am today - a more devot Christian than I was before, and a better singer.

When I first joined the choir with my little sister, we were tagged as the two "babies", as no one of our age range had joined. I felt as if I had met my big brothers and sisters, because they took really good care of us. As we grew up, we became the big sisters to many new members, and were referred to as the "oldies" of the choir (yes, it sounds as if I'm not 20, but 60). I got a chance to participate in many activities, such as carolling for orphans, singing at old aged homes, hotels, showrooms and the SJS (Shine Jesus Shine) Rallies when it was still running. By participating in these activities, it made the bond we had with one another stronger, as we endured countless scoldings and disappointments during rehearsals. But the fruits of our labour were always sweet and memorable.

Then came the re-shuffling of the committee. New members were added - myself, my sister and a few other "younger" ones. We were brought on board to help bridge the gap between the youths and the, well, not soo youthful? The younger ones rocked the committee with our bold, weird and crazy ideas (which usually materialised), and helped to make being in the choir a fun, eventful and happening experience.

Also, when one is in a church group, spiritual development is inevitable, because we are all there to connect at a spiritual level, to praise God and to be his messengers on Earth. In the choir, this is done by having a spiritual session during our annual choir camps, asking a priest to come down and give us a talk, or just having praise and worship sessions, to reflect and give praise. These activites promote spiritual growth by making us more involved, instead of being passive Christians (like sitting down and listening to someone preach).

Though being part of a church group may have quite a few advantages, the road is bumpy and there are obstacles along the way. For me, it was the temptation to skip church on Saturdays, and go on Sundays instead because my friends would usually ask me out on Saturdays to hang out or have dinner. They weren't very understanding when I told them that I could only make it at a later time due to having to sing for mass, so sometimes, I gave in to that and skipped it. The guilt feeling after that was strong, and I felt as if I had done a disservice to God. Although I went to church on Sundays, it didn't wash away that feeling i had. However, as the years went by (I say this as if I'm like, ageing super fast), I have come to learn that true friends understand the needs of going to church, and wouldn't discourage you from going. Also, my choir mates helped me to resist the temptation, by letting me know that they too felt the same way. But a committment is a committment. I mean, it's as if you're cheating on your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse with someone else. Somewhat. Ok, bad analogy. But I hope you get the gist of it.

In this way, I managed to grow spiritually, because I found my calling back to God with the help of my church friends, and I am more rooted in Him than I have ever been in my entire life.

With this, I encourage everyone to join a church group, because with that group, you will be able to grow spiritually, and become a better person. Who knows, you might find your future soul mate there, or better yet, find a better group of friends.

=))