Changed Lives

Being in children’s ministry has helped me learn more about God. When my Grandma Mary died I felt what I learned helped me go through the experience with faith. In school my knowledge of God helped me calm down. My prayer life relaxes me and as soon as I pray I feel better – lifted. There is a lot for a 5th grader to worry about. In Pioneer Club memorizing Scriptures makes me want to read the Bible more. The church in general knows me and helps me. I could call on them for help.

Earlier this week when our pastor asked me to speak about ‘what worship means to me’ I said yes. I thought this would be easy. But this really took me about four days to decide what to say. My mom kept telling me five sentences was not enough and to keep working. So what is worship? Worship to me is doing things to praise God. Like praying and reading the Bible. We will never understand fully God’s ways but through worship it brings us closer to him. If you want to, worship in smaller groups other than church service. Many adults go to Bible study and kids can go to Pioneer Club. I often take time at night to read my Bible. Daily prayer is a good time to ask God for forgiveness. Asking for forgiveness establishes a better relationship with God. I pray before I go to bed and out loud at our Boy Scout events. I think it helps our upcoming events run better. Without worship we would stray from God, for from him and through him are all things. To him be the glory forever.

The first time I came to use the food pantry I sat in the parking lot and cried before I went in. To my relief I was warmly welcomed and I have been using the food and clothing bank since then, about 3 years. The staff has always made me feel at home and most importantly, cared for by friends! I have never had a need that wasn’t met. The staff always inquired about my life and health, taking the time to get to know me. The most important thing they have done for me (and others) is made me feel cared for and not alone. They do this while allowing everyone to keep their dignity. My grandson Lucas has been coming with me these last 3 years. One day one of the staff, Joy, asked Lucas if he would mind helping her put some things on the bottom shelf. Joy explained, because of the age of the staff it was hard for them to get down to the bottom shelf. Lucas was delighted to help. When he was done, Lucas said ‘Grandma they might need my help some more. Can I come back and help again?” I told him to go ask. As he skipped back to me smiling from ear to ear he said, “I can come back next Saturday! Lucas has been ‘volunteering’ every Saturday morning since. The staff gave him a chance to help others, to repay and pass on the kindness we have been shown at the pantry. He has been given a chance to feel the value of his actions to himself and others. This is an immeasurable gift the ladies of the staff have given to Lucas and me. For that I am especially grateful. The staff of the food pantry makes a difference today and for our entire lives.

We have worked with our township food bank for the last 7 years. Having grown up and lived in this community, we have felt a desire to make sure our neighbors have assistance available. Our hope is to be able to give back to a community that has been generous to us. Since retiring, we both have the time to invest our energy in this worthy endeavor. The food bank provides a time of fellowship as well as a sense of purpose for both of us. We strongly recommend that other retirees involve themselves in volunteer work they would deem meaningful. In addition to food and clothing, our food bank clients find emotional and spiritual support as well. Relationships between clients and volunteers are developed. God has provided a place where dignity and respect can be nurtured or restored without judgment. Our food bank experience is one we both support and believe in.

Our church has many seasoned leaders whom are great assets and mentors. They are willing to bring in new people and help them learn how to create disciples. I showed interest in furthering myself in ministry. I was quickly taken under the wing of a leader. I have been encouraged and taught many things throughout this journey. I still have a long road ahead but I fully believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without the grace of God and love and mentoring from my church family. For this I am truly blessed.

Several years ago we moved within the county; we weren't finding it easy to travel back to our "home" church for Sunday morning services. Having 3 very active children, we found ourselves at this church many evenings each week. The church opens its doors to scout troops and 4H clubs, both of which we are involved with, and the children were invited to attend the children's ministry - Pioneer Club. At Christmas our children were invited, and thrilled to join the Christmas Play, and on the Sunday morning of the performance, I was invited to a women's Bible Study. After being at the church 4 nights a week, it felt natural to begin attending on Sunday mornings. We felt welcomed, but not smothered. Joining small group Bible Studies, both Mike and I found growth in our spiritual selves and comfort in knowing others were discovering more about His Word as we were. The children found friends and neighbors in Sunday School and were excited as they learned more about the youth ministry - particularly the opportunities to take part in Sunday morning service. As we became more involved, we were asked to help in church leadership opportunities - another step in our faith walk. This church has truly opened its arms and made us feel like family. We find a solace from the chaos of life here. We are grateful to call it home, and look forward to welcoming our friends and neighbors as we share our story and invite them to join us.

I have always been happy at my church, but I am happier now than ever before. This was a small rural church when I married into the family of descendants of the founders. Many families were related, but as a young bride from a non-church family, I was impacted by their faith, serenity, many kind deeds, and especially their acceptance of me. Impacted to the point of quickly becoming a member. As we changed denominations, and the church made up of mostly aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins became more diverse, it has kept those characteristics, but I have been impacted by the increasing opportunities for Christian outreach. Lloyd and I have gone from being the youngest married couple in the church in 1950 to now being the oldest married couple, at least in regular attendance. Over the years I have been involved in many areas Godly church activities and service. I feel now God has given me the opportunity to impact others. Much of our present impact, leading to their enthusiasm, welcoming attitude, friendliness, and willingness to take on different tasks is due to our present pastor who is a very active and dedicated role model. May our church continue impacting lives local and beyond.