I've attended Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma, WA for a little over a year. As an exvangelical with a long list of complaints about *the church*, it took me a very long time to work up enough courage to go into a church. I had been away from church for 8 years. Never planned on returning.

This next part may sound a little cheesy, but I am 100% sincere, and I know that others can relate!

It was like I had a void of meaning in my life that I just couldn't fill. I looked for meaning and fulfillment in many other places. No dice. I missed church. It took a long time to admit that to myself but that's what it was. The funny thing is that I missed church before I missed God.

I knew that if I ever tried going back to church, an Episcopal community would be my best option.

Christ Church in Tacoma has a facility with amazing brutalist architecture and the community of people was warm and welcoming without being pushy in any way. I took my time over the course of the year. I got to know people, met with the priest multiple times over coffee or beer, and established a couple of meaningful friendships.

I am still on my spiritual journey - always will be - and many days I still don't "believe" in all the core tenets of the faith, but the past year has been the most healing season I've ever been through.

I'm so happy to officially be a part of a local church where I can experience spiritual connection in sacred space, and don't have to compromise my values or intellectual honesty to be a member.

Thinking of being confirmed or received? Here's a snapshot of what I experienced yesterday at St. Mark's Cathedral in Seattle, WA.