Such a good post. It's hard, when you are a church going person, and you go because you love it, how to explain it to others who don't quite get it. I honestly believe that Church is not a place to go and hear the good word only. It's a place we learn how to BE the good word for someone else. Not that we ever take the place of Jesus or God, but that we learn how to embody Him this side of Eden. Your church sounds like it's really doing this, and I am awed. It takes so much guts to open yourself so fully, to not just give and do good works, but to experience life alongside those who need help. Because we all need help, don't we? 

And that's another thing. What has kept me in church is pure love - knowing that people loved me there, they cared for me, they wanted the best for me. They have caught many tears, but thankfully there's always been more laughter than tears. Knowing that people will take the time for you when you need it - that's fellowship.