Hawk Creek: Church or Cult?

Okay! I have only told one couple about this - as they are not only friends/ex-neighbors, but are Hawk Creek members. However, after today, the madness must be shared.

I attended HC for the first time on August 5. I had been wanting to visit for awhile, but never found the right time. Finally, two and a half weeks ago, I visited with two of my friends (who shall remain anonymous). I went alone, with no other members of my family. I really just wanted to check it out, see what all the hype was about, and determine if it could be a potential church home. I did NOT fill out a card, leaving my name and information. It is not my style, and I honestly had no desire for anyone to contact me regarding my experience. I just wanted to visit and go from there.

As my Facebook fans know, I LOVED IT! I posted a status update expressing my enthusiasm, while tagging some friends that had invited me to HC in the past/know of my previous struggles finding the right church. Immediately, several people added me on Facebook. Some of them I recognized as meeting that morning at church. Others, I figured out were members of the church and mutual friends of the people I had tagged, even though I had yet to meet them. *Cuckoo Warning Numero Uno* Despite being a bit odd, this did not surprise me, for as I mentioned in my status update that Sunday - everyone was beyond friendly and welcoming.

Three days later, I received a Facebook message from a dear friend of mine - Jayna Alexander. Apparently, she and another woman had stopped by my house the night before, as part of their Tuesday night HC visitation. She stated that they came by to thank me for coming and to see if I had any questions about their church. Although I had not filled out a card requesting a visit, I thought nothing of it because Jayna and I have been friends for years. She was the first person to give me a hug, as I walked through the church's doors, and she knows where I live. I messaged her back stating the obvious - I was not home. I thanked her for stopping by, told her I had no questions, and that I would see her - again - on August 19.

The next day, two different people invited me to join their Small Group. By the time the week had ended, a handful of people had messaged me about my visit. (What is happening?)

A week later, I called my parents to see if they wanted to go on a road trip with me - eating, shopping, etc. Upon picking them up, we got to talking about HC. My mother proceeded to tell me how I had become somewhat of a "celebrity" at HC. Obviously, I was very confused and asked her to explain. Apparently, by tagging some of my HC friends in my status update from the week before, other HC members - whom I do not know - saw my post. One of them copied it and distributed it amongst even more members, for the reason that they wanted the HC family to know that their mission of inviting people in, welcoming them, and showing enthusiasm toward visitors was accomplished. One of their goals is to be open and accepting. They realized they nailed it with me and wanted others to know. (Again, the hand on my "weirdness meter" began to quiver.) At first, I was semi-unnerved at the fact that someone had copied my words and shared them, without my permission. However, I quickly realized that even if I had been asked, I would not so much as hesitated to have allowed them to share. Plus, I was happy to feel so welcome and see people GENUINELY appreciating my interest in their church.

This past Monday night, I got home rather late. I noticed the blinking light on my house phone base, indicating a new voicemail. Before checking it, I saw that someone had indeed called at 8:59p. I did not recognize the name, and immediately thought it was going to be a patient emergency, given the hour. Upon checking the voicemail, I discovered that it was a new person from HC - whom I do not believe I have met - basically leaving me the same message Jayna had sent via Facebook - "I heard you visited! We are so happy you came! If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me back. I hope to see you, again, soon! Have a wonderful evening! God Bless!" (You hope to see me, "again??" I do not remember seeing you the first time?! Seriously, who are these people?!) At this point, my "weird meter" hand not only quivered, it moved! Jayna visiting - no big thing. Now, other people are actually TRACKING me down!! Again, I did NOT leave ANY contact information!! NONE! Meaning, these people are going out of their way to find out my husband's name, look up our phone number, and call me at 9 o'clock in the evening!!

The next night, Tuesday, Jayna showed back up! Per usual, I am not home. Warren just happened to get home early that night. She brought peanut butter fudge. (Warren and I agreed that Jayna can stop by every Tuesday if she likes.)

Today, Thursday, I go to my mailbox. There is a letter from Pastor Trevor. Again, thanking me for my visit and encourgaging me to contact him or the church, if I have any questions. Enclosed is a gift card to Starbucks - a place I visit daily. *Weird meter hand cocked to the maximum level!*

OKAY - YES - I HAVE A QUESTION!! Jayna is exempt because she is my friend and knows almost everything about me. However, as for the rest of you, HOW DO YOU ALL KNOW WHERE I LIVE, MY MAILING ADDRESS, MY TELEPHONE NUMBER, AND MY FAVORITE LOCAL PLACES TO VISIT?! I have to tell you all, this would scare the bajeezus out of the majority of people!! Fortunately, I am not easily scared off. Nonetheless - LISTEN UP, HAWK CREEK MEMBERS!! Please, stop freaking me out! I think you all and your church are fabulous! There is absolutely NO need to show up at my door, call me, AND mail me a letter! Feel free to take a step back. (I shudder to think what would have happened, if I would have actually filled out a guest card asking for someone to contact me!) Every morning, I go to my front door to let my dogs out. I actually take a small pause, as I open the door, half expecting the church logo to have been burned into my front yard during the night. You all do not need to bribe me into coming back or continuing to share how wonderful I think you all are, by having seventeen people contact me and give me free gifts. I ALREADY LOVE YOU, JUST FOR BEING YOU!

With that being said, if the people you have doing surveillance on me have yet to figure it out: COACH is one of my most favorite stores; Thai is my favorite food; I love traveling, hence never being home; and I could really use a new laptop. Do what you will with that information, as no one hates free stuff (even if it comes at the price of being stalked).

At this point in time, I have no doubt in my mind that 75% of HC members will have this blog post sent to them via Facebook, Twitter, or email - probably with an actual photograph of me typing this, taken from a distance - within the hour. I am okay with that. Those who already KNOW me, will know not to take offense. I like to share stories and make people laugh. Those who do not know me - well, as in by meeting me face to face (I fear the entire HC congregation knows who I am by now) - this is me! This is my type of humor. If you are going to get all CIA on me, I will post about it. I plan to continue being one of your biggest advocates. However, I plan to do so with my newly hired bodyguard, Bob.

Thank you all, again, for making me feel *OVERLY* welcome, and for unknowingly entertaining me the past two weeks. I wait with great anticipation at the next round of gifts, as I pretend to waiver on my decision to become a member. Speaking of which, have I mentioned I LOOOOVE chocolate chip cookies?! Nestle Toll House, to be exact! (And NO! Thank you, but I will not be drinking the *constantly* offered Kool-Aid.)