Church has been a lifeline to me all of my life, beginning in the Nursery Department of Bering Memorial Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. As the years have passed, and my membership has moved through 2 more churches to what I hope is my final church home, Lake Cities United Methodist Church, I have found ‘sanctuary’ through both the highs and lows of life through the church.
My young life was somewhat difficult in that I was the youngest of 3 children deserted by their father and left with a mother that had limited parenting skills. My mother did the best she knew how to do, took in sewing to earn a living for us, and took us to church when we were very young, and sent us when we were old enough to walk by ourselves.
As children and teenagers, my brother, my sister and I were very definitely verbally abused at the least. We were reminded often that we were no good and would never amount to anything. Because of loving people in the church who taught Sunday School, led the youth group, led the Boy Scouts, and nourished our spiritual lives, I always knew that we were persons of worth, loved by God. That church in Houston still holds a very special place in my heart for taking care of us as we grew up, were Baptized, and confirmed. Chick and I were married there.
Now, fast forward to Lake Cities. This church has continued to nourish my soul as both of our sons were confirmed here, and one buried from here. Our sons had wonderful Sunday school teachers and youth groups to help them in their growing years. Our family was a big part of Boy Scouts sponsored by this church. We enjoyed many wonderful ski trips to Wolf Creek. We have wonderful friends here!
The high points of life are easy enough for all. It is the lows that really test our faith. When our son Bill drowned in 1991, the bottom fell out of our world. I had lost loved ones before, grandparents, my mother, Chick’s dad, and then his mother 2 months before Bill died, but nothing prepares one for the loss of a child. I never knew that grief could cause such physical pain. My whole insides ached for months. Chick suffered even more because he wasn’t over grieving for his mother when we lost our son Bill. This church embraced us and carried us through this very painful time in our lives, ever giving us hope that things would be better. For so long it was like we were living life, but were outside of life, looking on as spectators. The church held us up.
I am grateful that for all my life the church has been there for me.
I am so grateful now to belong to a loving church that answers the call of those in need, in our congregation, in our community, and in the world.
Thanks be to God for the church!
Come join us and see the good things God has in store for you!
