Early in the weekend, as I was going through pictures and papers belonging to my children, I came across this story “What the Church Means to Me”. The first sentence was: “Ever since I was born my parents always took me to church bringing me up in a way that tells me that the church should always be very important and family like place and we should try to make it that way for others.” She went on to write about how “at home” she felt there and that the church was like her “close family”—that God had helped her realize how the friends at church would always be like family– and that even when she ran into them outside church, they were willing to help her in various ways! She ended the story with a Bible verse from Proverbs: “Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one’s nearest kin ( she spelled it Ken!) and that is how I fell you all are to me!” Wow—I could not have said it better! Out of the mouth of babes.

As I was walking later that afternoon, I felt that I should write something about this to share—and then—well, I just forgot! Tonight (Tuesday) Michelle texted me “ I thought of Jane Cowling today, what a neat lady. She was so good to me.” She asked me how she ever got connected with Jane—and I reminded her! Then I realized, God was reminding me—AGAIN—to share the story—a story of OUR CHURCH FAMILY and the gratitude I felt Sunday when remembering the blessing you all have been to us! I pray that I will never forget the example those ladies have given and that I can contribute to being that kind of “church family” for others who come to FUMC Bridgeport!

Love in Christ!

~ Martine