A Church Family

I was reminded the other day of one of the reasons I "make" my children attend Sunday school and church each week. A new member of our church who has gotten involved in some of the church activities called to say she was very happy that she and her family have chosen The Church of the Good Shepherd as their new church. She was busy working on a church project one day when she noticed one of the children in our church go outside on a bitter cold day without a coat or warm clothing. She realized this child was a child with unique needs and stopped her work as she decided whether she should follow the child or go get someone else. She told me that, in the moment she stood making a decision on how to react, two other adults quietly walked outside to welcome the child back indoors. She said she was moved to tears by the love of each of the men, as they didn't think twice about intervening in helping a child at the church. She went on to mention that she has witnessed similar things throughout the church, and she is thrilled to have her children become part of our church family.

It was a wonderful reminder of why I put up with complaints and protests on Sunday morning from my children as we rush to get ready for church. I want my children to be part of a bigger Christian family than my husband and I can provide in Northern Virginia with no immediate family close by. My 11-year-old doesn't like the sermons yet, and my 6-year-old still colors pictures throughout the service, but they feel loved and accepted each time they enter the doors of the church. Their involvement in Sunday school, the chime choirs and Kids' Club is an investment of time for all of us, but I know I am providing something that is becoming part of their faith journey.

— Joan Fletcher

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist