Jake and I found a wonderful little church the week we moved here. We have been attending it ever since, and we felt so blessed that we didn't need to endure "church hunting" before we found a community that embraced us. Jesus led us there, and we are so grateful.
Jesus has used our brothers and sisters there to bless us and encourage us. During August and September... and actually into October... the kitchen was full of garden produce for the taking. Miss Dee's garden was overflowing, so she shared with everyone. I asked Miss Joann if she could help me improve my knitting... and yesterday, she presented me with a wealth of yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks. We get hugs and encouraging words. And our pastor even asked Jake to participate in his ordination service.
We have also had opportunities to give back. Jake noticed that one of the older women was having a hard time understanding her King James Bible... observant as he is, he also noted that she needed large print. He felt led to help her... so he found a second-hand Living Bible in large print... and Miss Pat has a much easier time digging into the Word. We had the opportunity to throw a baby shower for a young couple expecting a baby.
The church is simple. We don't stand on a lot of formality. Sure, we call some of the older members "Miss," or "Brother"... but the older members have a lot of respect and appreciation for the youth and twenty-somethings, too. Sunday School is intergenerational... not as something new to experiment with, but just because it's a great way to learn. We laugh together, cry together, and learn together... and eat together, too!
We have been so blessed by Jesus leading us to this little church. He provided us with the family we needed when we are so far away from our families. This week of Thanksgiving, I am firstly thankful for His perfect timing and His voice of guidance... and I'm thankful we had the with-it-ness to heed Him.
Comments (1)
I'm so happy for you two!
It sounds like a wonderful place to grow and to give back.