So, it's been awhile since my last post, and a lot has happened, but before I begin to update what has transpired over the past four months I want to talk about my experience today.
I was born and raised in the United Methodist Church (not literally of course). My grandparents, both sets, were a part of this particular church when the congregation began meeting in a local school. They watched the building be built and took part in many different committees and activities during their life there. My parents met there. I was baptized, confirmed, and married there. This church carried me in their prayers during my journey with cancer and provided support to me and my family in ways that can never be repaid.
Over time things began to change there and I felt it was time for me to seek worship at another church. That was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. It was difficult to leave a place that was so near and dear to me, however, it was the right decision at the time.
As time has passed the hurts that I had have healed and I can honestly say that attending worship there again has a restorative peace for me.
Today was an amazing day. I was invited to church to day by my dear friend. Her granddaughter was being baptized and a church elder was being blessed as he begins a new journey in his life.
The sermon today was a series of scriptures all embodying laity Sunday. They highlighted various people in the church and how they fit into the scriptures. My dad was mentioned in one of these portions and I felt so happy that I was there to hear his name be praised.
My friend's granddaughter is the daughter of her son. Not only did my friend and I grow up in the church together, our children did as well. To see her son standing on that altar today as a father touched my heart so deeply words truly cannot express.
The elder of the church is moving to Arizona to live with his children. As he stood on the altar today so many memories came flooding back to me. Memories of growing up and respecting this man, and his wife who has been home with the Lord for many years now, and thinking of all the wisdoms he has shared with me over the years made me very teary eyed.
I was born and raised in the United Methodist Church (not literally of course). My grandparents, both sets, were a part of this particular church when the congregation began meeting in a local school. They watched the building be built and took part in many different committees and activities during their life there. My parents met there. I was baptized, confirmed, and married there. This church carried me in their prayers during my journey with cancer and provided support to me and my family in ways that can never be repaid.
Over time things began to change there and I felt it was time for me to seek worship at another church. That was one of the most difficult decisions of my life. It was difficult to leave a place that was so near and dear to me, however, it was the right decision at the time.
As time has passed the hurts that I had have healed and I can honestly say that attending worship there again has a restorative peace for me.
Today was an amazing day. I was invited to church to day by my dear friend. Her granddaughter was being baptized and a church elder was being blessed as he begins a new journey in his life.
The sermon today was a series of scriptures all embodying laity Sunday. They highlighted various people in the church and how they fit into the scriptures. My dad was mentioned in one of these portions and I felt so happy that I was there to hear his name be praised.
My friend's granddaughter is the daughter of her son. Not only did my friend and I grow up in the church together, our children did as well. To see her son standing on that altar today as a father touched my heart so deeply words truly cannot express.
The elder of the church is moving to Arizona to live with his children. As he stood on the altar today so many memories came flooding back to me. Memories of growing up and respecting this man, and his wife who has been home with the Lord for many years now, and thinking of all the wisdoms he has shared with me over the years made me very teary eyed.