What difference does church make in my life?
Church has become an important area of my life because of
all the gifts it has brought to me and my family. My family began attending The
Church of the Nativity in the year 2000. Thanks to my neighbor Jane Piduch, we
became members. When I reflect back to the first day attending Nativity, I
recall certain attributes of the church that stand out in my mind.
First, my husband and I felt a genuine sense of comfort and
acceptance with Nativity.
Second, we were highly impressed with the involvement of the
youth. Since we were beginning our family, we felt that this was an important
aspect of our church – this is what we hoped and wanted for our own children.
Third, the sermon, a time for reflection on scripture
application of the Lord’s teaching in every day of our lives. My husband and I
were intrigued by how much the sermon made us look at the way we live our lives
and how it provides guidance during difficult time.
Through the years, our family has gone through many changes
and difficult times. The church has always aided me by giving me time for
reflection after a long and stressful week of juggling work and family issues.
I find myself looking forward to church for this chance to focus on my inner
spirituality and take my mind off the stresses during the week. I utilize this
time for learning about ways to live my life based on the scripture. This time
is important for me – I feel more relaxed, confident and happy after giving
myself this time to reflect. I feel closeness with members of the church because
we are learning the Lord’s Word together and improving our lives together as a
group.
During the ten years of our marriage, my husband has changed
his career many times. Reverend Dan has helped my husband get through a very
difficult time in his teaching career. Also, several years ago Reverend Dan
help me when I was deeply concerned about a situation in my neighborhood. For
his help, we are very grateful and thankful.
Recently, this week, I asked my children what they felt the
church means to them. My son, who is 9 years old, answered ‘Family.’ He said
his church is like his family. I thought about his answer and I agreed – being
together with everyone on Sunday gives a sense of special closeness and
acceptance that family brings. He looks forward to spending time with his
church friends.
My daughter, who is 5 years old, answered this question with
– ‘I like learning how to be good to others and help others.’ Both children
reflect a comfort at church that is displayed every Sunday when we walk through
the church doors and they excitedly disperse to their classroom, enthusiastic
to learn. I watch them do this and I smile, knowing that my children are
learning and involved in the church – just as my husband and I had hoped and
desired.
I am very proud of our church family and how it has brought our
family together and given us strength through our lives.
. .
. Robin
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