Becoming Family...

What an amazing time it has been over the last five months! God has been so good to me! I don't know if you have ever felt like this...but let's see...
"One day a girl visited a new church. The first thing she noticed was a bright, colorful, playground when coming into the parking lot. It looked like a lot of fun to her! She got out of the car and was greeted at the door and ushered into the church foyer. Signs were followed to where she was to be 'dropped off' for the day. She got to the door of the Kid's Church room and took a deep breath. She was thinking in her mind 'Will I make new friends? Will they like me? Will there be kids there my age to hang out with? Will it be fun? Or will it be boring? How will I get to know everyone? Will the leaders be nice or will they not talk to me?' The list went on and on in her head. So, she shook her head and walked into the room. A few people began to greet her and tell her how glad they were to meet her. They helped her to her place and told her jokes and funny stories along the way. It was five minutes before service was to begin and the butterflies hadn't gone away yet. Slowly as she talked with different kids she began to feel better. A couple of the girls asked her to sit by them. She said in her mind, "what a relief! They like me!" Slowly the time ticked by and the service was getting ready to begin. It was time! Time for HER to step up and lead the kids closer to God. The day went well, the prayer was great, and the kids were so open and enjoyed the day. After she left out of the Kid's Church room she took a breath and said out loud to God, "God you are so good to me! You have brought me to a new family! You have called me for this time and season to this place". That girl...was me."

That was my experience my first Sunday. As a new person, it can be a scary place coming in and not knowing anyone. As a new pastor it is easy to get to know others because they know me...my picture and bio was in the bulletin, as well as what my likes and dislikes! However, each week we have new people walking in the doors of our church and their family and their likes and dislikes are not in the bulletin for all to read and recognize when they see them. So, my goal for myself this year is to make sure that everyone I come in contact with...whether new or they have been here 10 years...I want to make sure they know that I am so glad they are part of the family at WCAG. They have a place! If they are a finger...I'll get them connected to the other fingers and hand. If they are a foot, I will get them connected to the toes and legs! They have a place in our family...and I want to help them find it. So, I would like to encourage each of you to make a commitment to yourself and to those in our church to be open to meeting new people, include them for lunch, introduce them to your friends, help them connect to our family. Open your heart and your arms to those around you...the new, the semi-new, the pillars of our church and the list goes on. Be a family to those without. Be a friend to those without. Don't just walk by in a rush...take time to walk slowly around the church greeting people...it is worth it. You can meet some of the most wonderful individuals...and who knows...you might just be entertaining an angel in disguise! :-)