March 30, 2007
Last week a relatively new member of our church wrote and shared with me a very touching and powerful story. She told how, after giving birth to a little girl that had multiple life-threatening health challenges, she fell to her knees in the chapel at Children's Hospital one night. She finally stopped pleading with God and gave Him thanks for the privilege of being a mother. She left the chapel that night at peace, trusting in God whatever might happen.
After several surgeries she and her husband finally took a healthy and thriving baby girl home to family and friends. And then, she said, they made a commitment to become a part of a church. With her permission, I'm going to let her finish the story in her own words:
"After trying out a few churches in our area we came to CUMC on Easter Sunday 2005, the sanctuary was packed full of smiling faces. We were met by a greeter and led to the very front pew, as if the seats were reserved just for us! When you talked about a rebirth in one of your recent e-mails regarding Easter...that is how I felt! I had tears of relief, gratitude and joy streaming down my cheeks that day, because all my dearest prayers had been fulfilled...As I sat with my wonderful husband and beautiful baby daughter, I realized more than ever that life is a precious gift. I realized that I would be changed forever for the better, and that I wanted to give more to those around me and that nothing else really matters. I knew I would never look at life or my relationships with others in the same way...And that I would never miss the chance to say" I love you", or "can I help" again. As the choir sang Handel's Messiah the tears continued to flow down my face as the holy spirit wrapped its wings around CUMC. And I knew we belonged. Our family became members shortly after. I look forward to seeing the Church grow, and being a part of welcoming new members with the same warmth we experienced."
Her story explains why it is so important to invite others to church--you never know whose life will be changed. And it also explains, better than anything I could ever say, why our church wants to continue to expand our ability to welcome new people into this very special family of faith.
