When Jamie and I started getting serious we decided to find our own church. The first place we went was First Baptist Church (after much research online at statements of Faith and such) and we never left! Pastor Paul not only married us, but he gave us his services and use of the church chapel for free. I have always loved this man's preaching and heart for the lost and wounded. We went there for 3 years before we moved out to Illinois.
Yesterday we were able to visit for the first time since returning and the best part is-we didn't tell anyone we were moving back :D HAHA! Pastor Paul was so happy to see us and our daughters. He hadn't met either before. He asked what we were doing in the area and when we told him we were back he was just so excited! The same with several other couples (all around our parents age) one person said we even made his day. We were introduced to the girl in charge of Children's Ministry and she showed me Jubilee's classroom and everything they would be doing. The worship service was great and I forgot how they had a slightly charismatic side to them as they started clapping and cheering at the lyrics that talked about Jesus conquering the grave. Juju was even dancing a little : ) Haha I have a feeling that will take a little time to get used to. The message was wonderful and Pastor Paul had to embarrass us and announce we were back and he was so happy to have us home. It was all really great.
It was also hard though, while we have only ever been shown love at that church; our relationships there were never as strong as the ones at LCC in Chicago. Not that we CAN'T have those kind of relationships, we can definitely work towards that...it just made me sad a little. I missed being on worship team. I am determined to build lasting relationships at this church and make them stronger. We already have such a great relationship with Pastor Paul and his wife and we are going to be in their small group on Sunday evenings so I think it will take off from there. Really excited to see where we can serve and what God has in store this new year.
No comments:
Post a Comment