Almost ten years ago, I entered the Welcome Center with my husband, Chap, for my first day serving on staff here at Johns Creek Presbyterian Church. It was a crisp Sunday morning and I was filled with excitement mixed with anxiety.
On anniversaries I often find myself stopping and reflecting on what I have learned and experienced during the time that has passed. As I look back over the past ten years, the word that comes to mind is thanksgiving. I am grateful for the warm welcome that we received upon moving here. I am thankful for the constant support that this church family provides each week. I am blessed to have the opportunity to grow in my faith with this community of believers.
In each decade of my life, I take time to discern God’s call for my life and where I am needed to serve. This past year and half has given us all an opportunity to consider what’s important. It is with deep joy and sadness that I share that God is needing my gifts and calling me to serve in a new community. After much prayer and discernment, I have accepted the call to serve as the Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Savannah, GA. I will be with you this month and then our family will transition to Savannah in October.
These verses in Philemon have been on my heart since I first read them in middle school and they came to mind today as I thought of this church family.
Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, Oh, thank you, God! I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
-Philemon 1:4-7 The Message
I look forward to the ways that God will continue to connect us on this journey and seeing the ways that our faith shows up in all of the good things we do. I am excited to see God continue to be at work in this community and in the greater church.
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