Seeking Single Christian Moms to Give Encouragement

I have heard that MOPS is very good, it is a group of christian moms that meet periodically. I don't think you HAVE to be christian or in a certain denomination which I think is good, since it will give a variety of people and perspectives.

My only comment would be is to be a little careful. Suspect groups prey on people who have hit harder times. In one particular point in my life, when I was more vulnerable, there was one christian organizations that I came across that was way out of my comfort zone. I am not super fundatmental, and haven't grown up that way, but this group in particular was awfully intrusive and I later heard bad things about them. Look out for that, make sure that you feel 100% comfortable with what is going on! My alarm bells were going off, but I ignored them. Don't do that! :-)

Dear K.:

I was a single parent about 15 years ago after a divorce. Being single again after having a close relationship with someone is just like a divorce. Since then I found a wonderful church that is supportive and gets me closer to God than any other I have ever attended. You are probably not familiar with the Orthodox Christian churches. Check this out: "First Visit to an Orthodox Church" by Frederica Matthews-Green (a famous author) http://www.frederica.com/12-things/.

What is the Eastern Orthodox Church (remember Greek and Russian Orthodox churches from TV?)

The word "orthodox" means "right teaching" or "right worship" in Greek, and that is what Orthodoxy is -- true to the teachings of Christ and His Apostles and true to the Holy Traditions of the Church as set forth by its Holy Fathers of the seven Ecumenical Councils. As divisions set in among those in the Church (most notably the "Great Schism" of 1054 AD with the Roman Catholic church) and factionization and even heresy crept into its beliefs, the Orthodox held fast to the purity of the original Church. Its Bishops trace a direct succession to Christ's Apostles and it continues to adhere to the rules of the Church those Apostles guided.

(Check out goarch.org) You actually have an Orthodox Christian Church in your area by the name of St. Katherine.
http://www.stkatherine.org. I attend an Orthodox church in Snohomish, and have been to St. Katherine. It is very nice small church. Because culturally the Orthodox church is different, it's good to know some things before you go. However, you don't have to. And yes, the services are in English, not Greek.

You can email me if you are interested and we can talk more. There is also ancientfaithradio.com where you can get a better feel for what the services are like.

I have received more healing, come closer to God in this church in the last 5 years, than the 15 years before I was Orthodox. In fact some of the previous non-Orthodox churches I was in did more psychological harm than good.

Check it out. You'll be glad you did and discover authentic Christianity.

{{{{{hugs}}}}} and prayers for you sweetie!

I'm blessed not to have personal experience but I have some things that may help you. I'm active in my local MOPS group and we're in the process of starting a satellite group for young and/or single mom's. You may be able to find something like that on the East side (we're in W.Seattle). http://www.MOPS.org

Another thing is http://www.meetup.com has a group for Seattle area single parents. It's not a Christian group but you could definitely get some help and support there. I have friends who are members. There is a PNW Chistian Women's group on there (I'm a member of) but it's pretty slow.

Do you have a home church? Maybe you could ask if they could start a community outreach for single parents.

Lastly facebook...I'm new on there but I'm seeing all sorts of groups and the site groups people regionally (similar to Mamasource).

Be strong and of good faith and let Him fight your battles.

I'm older and have been a single parent for about 10 years. I stuggle even yet with divorce as I vowed in from of God and to God to "love in hard times and good for better or worse" and I baled out! He was abusive to me and my kids who were teens by then. I stayed too long as it was damaging to my kids to be in such a horrible relationship! I think the best place to get help and find new friends is in a church. It may take you quite a while to find a church where you feel comfortable and fit but work at it and keep looking until you get there! You will find help there and comfort. North Sound Church in Edmonds is fun and a great church with younger music. There is a big one in Bellevue that has lots of good programs. Keep looking until you feel you fit and it will be good! Pray pray pray and listen always as God will indeed guide you!! Blessings to you!