u/FriendshipSea7937

So long story short we homeschool our kids and I’ve been looking for a group or co-op close to us to join. I found one that seems to be faith based but not linked to any one religion. We don’t have a church family and honestly the age group at the sda church closest to us is much older (40+) too so that wouldn’t be any help. This co-op group meets at a Lutheran church building and does open with prayer and has Bible reading, however they also do other educational and fun social activities for the kids. I feel so limited in options for things my kids can join so when I found this I was pretty excited. However then I started wondering if it would be weird to gather with others in a different church building even if it wasn’t for church service necessarily?

I know it’s good to gather together with others, especially reaching out to those not of the faith, however would it be conflicting to join this? I just wanted other people’s advice to get a different perspective on it.

What are your thoughts on drinking matcha? I recently read about its many health benefits and wonder if it’s something worth trying out. I used to drink coffee but I gave it up because of the caffeine, however im considering if having a green matcha now and then would be okay? Currently I drink a coffee alternative once in a while (caffeine free coffee) and it’s pretty good but I was debating whether consuming things that are lower in caffeine or not consuming it regularly would be okay?

Also, what are your thoughts on cacao? I know SDA is pretty anti chocolate because of the caffeine content as well, but what about cacao for its health benefits?

Been an adventist for the last 15+ years. Throughout the time I’ve always been under the impression that clean meats are allowed along with a healthy well rounded diet. Obviously health is a big concern because Gods people must be healthy in order to continue the work. However recently after a health scare from a family member, they’ve done a lot more looking into health and diet regarding the bible and SOP. We’ve been seeing more and more about meat eating needing to be done away with in the SOP books as it is more diseased and just all around not good for physical or mental health.

I’m sorry this is so long, but I just don’t know where else to ask this. I am fine giving up meat and becoming vegetarian. Completely plant based will take more time as I am learning how to transition and replace certain foods… however my concern is for my children. How does one also change their diet and remove meats when they don’t care for things like beans, lentils, etc. yet? I know we are told not even to offer things like meat at the table but how does one do this without creating a spirit of resentment or forcing a belief on them they haven’t accepted yet? I don’t want my children to be like the many I see that fall away from the church or that rebel because they felt forced into certain decisions.
What would you do? I’ve considered just living by example and encouraging a healthy lifestyle by eating a wide range of foods (fruits,veg,proteins) but not forcing anything on them and still cooking and serving them food as usual. My older ones have agreed to add more vegetables to their diet and try things so I feel like it’s at least a step in the right direction?

I just need some encouragement right now because I’ve been torn feeling like I’m doing my kids a disservice since I see churches preaching the people of the last days can’t eat meat and still be saved.

On another note related to this, what are your thoughts regarding the claim that meat eating was only for a time and since Jesus finished the work of salvation on the cross and left the outer courts (where meat was offered/consumed) and into the holy place, that is symbolic to how we’re supposed to be done with meat eating as well? I always thought well if Jesus ate fish, even after resurrecting, then it must be okay for me too. But apparently not. I just want some feedback on all of this.