A Church for Us

When we first moved to our new city almost two years ago, we quickly began our search for a new church. This is not an easy task when you are trying to stay on the same page with your spouse about what you want in a church home and a two year old who you are having to drop off at a different place every week. Dave and I were praying so hard about this decision, since we want to make our home here and desire for J to grow up surrounded by godly men and women who will serve as spiritual mentors. As a couple and individuals, we have spiritual needs and a strong desire to serve. So, we ventured out of our little area and looked around here, also. We attended lots of great places, but many just seemed too far from our home. We worried we wouldn't be as active as we would like if the drive was too far. Well, about 9 months ago, we went back to one of the first churches that we had visited... only after a couple of church members showed up at our doorstep. Well, we are thankful for those men, because it got us back to the church that we are pretty sure will become our church home.

God has revealed some common things to both Dave and me about this church but also some individual things. Both of us LOVE our Sunday School class. The teacher speaks from his heart and is totally authentic in his sharing of personal experiences. The class in interactive and the mood is positive. There is also a heart in that class for reaching others for Christ and serving those who need us most. In two months, we have watched three men in the SS class come to know our Heavenly Father and our class rejoices with these guys...husbands, fathers. We have been able to share some of our experiences with J, and they pray for his progress. A couple of weeks ago, we shared in detail about our answered prayer with the insurance company and J's gains in his expressive language. They rejoiced along with us, and their sincerity was evident as a few mommies cried along with me. Aside from our class, the preschool workers love our little man. I don't mean that they just think he is a cute three year old; they invest love and time in him. Now that I have a child of my own, I know what a sacrifice it is for these same workers to give their time and talents each week to the little ones of the church! They are understanding of J's apraxia and celebrate every improvement along with us. They know our boy & all of the other children and accept each child as a unique creation. I have seen this firsthand in many of the nursery classes and in J's class, of course. The church believes that children should hear about Jesus from the time they are very young, so even the very youngest ones hear short words and descriptions of God's love and creation. Awesome. Finally, there are lots of opportunities to be involved...all three of us. We are so thankful that God has led us to this place!!