2 minute Testimonial

Yesterday I was asked to speak in front of our congregation (gulp!) at Church Street and share what I love about our church. Here's what I said.

"Good morning! As I thought about what I wanted to say about Church Street, the main word that kept coming to mind was “grateful.” I am eternally grateful for what this church…and the people of this church…have meant to me and my family. My lovely wife, Terri, and I were married here almost 14 years ago. To that point, our wedding day was the single greatest day of my life. In part because knew I had somehow managed to outkick my coverage and marry WAY up…and in part because we started our journey as husband and wife, surrounded by friends and family, inside this beautiful building.

Like many people, we were first drawn to Church Street by the outside beauty of this amazing Gothic structure. But we quickly learned that it’s the people on the inside that set Church Street apart.

We found all types of things that helped us grow spiritually…like getting involved in Sunday School…taking Disciple Bible Studies…and attending Jim Flemming’s lecture series…which we look forward to every year.

We also found tons of ways to connect socially. I love to play basketball. Every Wednesday night our Men’s Church team gets together in our gym to play pickup hoops for a couple hours. It’s a great way to exercise and blow off stress with some really great guys. We always pray before we play. And while my prayers to be able to shoot 3s like Chris Lofton have remained unanswered…this is often my favorite part of the evening, as we lift up each other’s struggles and concerns…and share in our celebrations.

Church Street has also provided plenty of ways to serve….including volunteering for service projects… serving food at Community Worship on Thursday nights….or simply buying some of the goodies at the Hunger Helper Market. And no discussion about what I love about Church Street would be complete without mentioning the Hunger Helper market…and specifically the homemade bread that Loretta Best makes. That stuff truly is “Manna from Heaven.”

Eventually, Terri and I would enjoy two days that even surpassed our wedding day…the birth of our daughter, Grace, and son, Luke. As we now find ourselves navigating the ever-changing, ever-demanding world of “parenthood”, we are truly blessed by all that this church provides us for that journey. Terri has been very involved with Vacation Bible School, which has to be one of the most inspiring and important weeks in the church all year. The sheer amount of planning, coordination and hard work that Sue Isbell and so many people behind the scenes put into VBS is staggering. But the reward is more than worth it…as hundreds of children are exposed to the life and love of Jesus Christ in meaningful ways. I feel blessed that my kids are a part of this…and many other incredible programs provided by our Children’s Ministries.

So far, I’ve focused on the ways Church Street has been there for us during the high points in life. But that’s only part of the story. Because, as we all know, life loves to throw curve balls. I know many of you have experienced grief and burdens far greater than what I have had to bear. But I have found that when life has been at its worst, Church Street has been at its best. Whether that was the sudden death of Terri’s mom, her dad’s declining health issues over the past year and a half, me being unemployed on two occasions…or the random call that my son has stuck a rock up his nose and we have to head to Children’s Hospital…Church Street has responded. Throughout all of these trials and tribulations…Church Streeters have put us on their prayer lists…prepared us a delicious meal…sent a quick text or email with an encouraging thought…or watched our kids to help ease the burden…whatever was needed at the time. This support has meant the world to us both.

As John Lennon once famously said “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” What we have come to understand is that when life throws us the unexpected…both good and bad…we can expect Church Street to be there for us. Church Street is a place that has helped me grow on my spiritual journey…and helped lay a spiritual foundation for my children. The people of Church Street have laughed with me when life is at its best…and ministered to me when the days are dark. Church Street is a warm, caring community of believers with an incredible history. But I truly believe that our brightest days are still ahead. And for all of that, I am grateful. Thank you!"