Do you have time to help me with a survey?

Hi, I was wondering if I could bother anyone to help me with a survey. Its hard for me to get out and interview with my back.We are doing a study at church about our abilities to attract new members. If you arent going to church for any reason would you answer these few questions. Its not to preach to you, its just to see what people think.
 1. What pops into your mind when you hear the word "church"?
 2. Has anyone ever invited you to their church?What did you think when they asked you?, Did you go? If you didnt go ,why not?
 3.Have you ever had a sense of God communicating with you? What was it like?
 4. If you had one question you could ask God and knew you'd get an answer, what would it be?
 5. Would you like prayer for anything?

Thanks for taking the survey, It will really help us to know what and what not to do when approaching others.

1. What pops into your mind when you hear the word "church"?  A big building where people gather for worship
 2. Has anyone ever invited you to their church?  Yes  What did you think when they asked you?  If it was a different denomination than the one I grew up in, I asked about what their worship was like.  Did you go?  Yes, to some  If you didnt go, why not?  Wasn't interested when asked, or had other beliefs or things to do.
 3.Have you ever had a sense of God communicating with you?  Yes, I believe God communicates on levels we can relate to.  What was it like?  Comforting
 4. If you had one question you could ask God and knew you'd get an answer, what would it be?  You don't really know me, but I think I would ask why our animal friends don't have a lifespan that is closer to our own, so that we did not have to experience the sadness of losing them.
 5. Would you like prayer for anything?  For peace in the lives of those that have a great deal of turmoil/hardship

Thanks so much Laureen. I agree with you about the animals. They are such a comfort ,sometimes more then family. Thanks again for taking the time...

Margie,

You are welcome and nice to have you here among us.  Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

Hugs, Laureen

1. What pops into your mind when you hear the word "church"?  God. love, companionship
 2. Has anyone ever invited you to their church? yes What did you think when they asked you?,  surprise, acceptance Did you go yes  If you didnt go ,why not?  too hard at the time, all my kids were under 3
 3.Have you ever had a sense of God communicating with you?   all the time What was it like?comforting, awe inspiring, made me feel free
 4. If you had one question you could ask God and knew you'd get an answer, what would it be?  what is it that you want me to learn???
 5. Would you like prayer for anything? yes, I'm having health, kids and money problems- the stress is unbelievable...but, I've asked God to handle it..I'm too tired

Thanks for taking the survey, It will really help us to know what and what not to do when approaching others.

   Good luck with your back surgery...I'll pray for your swift recovery!!
   Marcy

Thanks for responding Marcy. I appreciate the prayers and I will make sure and pray for you daily. I know God wont give us more then we can handle but sometimes I think he thinks Im stronger then I am. I loved the way you answered number 4. You hit that right on the head. I wish we all had the sense to ask that question in those times. Might save us from having to go thru it so many times. Your in my prayers.......Margie

1. GODS HOUSE
2.YES..I THOUGHT THEY WERE FRIENDLY AND DOING AS GOD COMMANDS US TO DO. I HAVE GONE AT TIMES TO DIFFERENT CHURCHES BUT NOT ALWAYS
3. YES I THINK GOD COMMUNICATES WITH US ON A DAILY BASIS , NOT OUT LOUD BUT IN A STILL VOICE INSIDE ...I LOVE TO GARDEN AND MY GARDENING IS WHERE I PRAY AND GET ANSWERS
4. WHAT IS THE LESSONS FROM THIS TRIAL.
5. YES PRAYER FOR MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER WHO IS AN ALCOHOLIC

Hi Margie,
I think this is a good idea and more churches should do these surveys.

1. What pops into your mind when you hear the word "church"?  Community

 2. Has anyone ever invited you to their church?  Yes
What did you think when they asked you?,   This is part of "the script"
Did you go?   No   If you didnt go ,why not?  Not my faith

  3.Have you ever had a sense of God communicating with you? What was it like?  Yes, it felt comforting, like being hugged

 4. If you had one question you could ask God and knew you'd get an answer, what would it be?
Why do such bad things happen so much to people who are good & people who aren't good seem to have an easy life?

 5. Would you like prayer for anything?  Yes...for my husband who has terrible chronic pain almost all the time, for us to get into the Making Homes Affordable program so we don't lose our home

1. What pops into your mind when you hear the word "church"?
     A Community to worship with.
 2. Has anyone ever invited you to their church?What did you think when they asked you?, Did you go? If you didnt go ,why not?
Yes (I'm ex-Catholic) went to my girlfriends church and felt welcomed. When I was younger I had to get "special permission" from my priest to go to the church next door for a girlscout event. Even as a young child I questioned why Catholics had to do some things.

 3.Have you ever had a sense of God communicating with you? What was it like?
I communicate with God every single day of my life. I pray but I also "talk" to God. We have a very close relationship. It can't be explained very well as I'm typing this but I am the type of person of "What you see is what you get". I believe we are all children of God, that we are here on this earth to serve others. That we should live our life everyday as if it's our last. It's not all about us. To serve and use the gifts that God has given us...and not to bury those gifts. For those that serve others, our gifts are multiplied. Mentor others, serve others and enjoy life, it all goes together. Do this and you will be a happier person for sure!
 4. If you had one question you could ask God and knew you'd get an answer, what would it be?
I don't think I could ask just one question. So instead I would thank God! Thank God for the life God has given me. Well maybe I would ask God...Have I lived my life they way God has chosen me to?
 5. Would you like prayer for anything?
Prayer is good. God Listens. Even when we think God doesn't answer our prayers. God does and we are not looking for God's answer or signs God has given us.

Thanks so much for your response everyone. I will come to this site everyday and pray for your prayer request.Please let me know some updates on your situations. I may not be able to work but I love to pray and I will be honored to do that.

Jan- I will keep your daughter in my prayers. Addiction is so heartbreaking. Not for just the person but for the whole family.Mine was food,and it was killing me. I wish there was a surgery that would help alcoholics. It would be nice if there was one for broken hearts also.Im thinking of you....

Irishcoda- I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. You are really compounded with stress and pain right now.It's really hard to watch some one you love in that much pain. I really will pray hard about your housing. That has to be so stressful. Just know someone is lifting you up daily.

DebbieJean- My best friend is also my pastor. She also use to be Catholic. I am so impressed with your daily time with God. It's like a marriage. If there is no daily communication, there is no relationship.I think you would be so neat to be around with your attitude. I'm sure you are quite the encourager to everyone your in contact with. Thanks for your response.