I am very serious about my commitment to my primary church. The one in which I have been a member for 30 some years. However, I started taking my kids to the Awana program at this other church 11 years ago because our church did not have a program for them.  Eventually, because I couldn't just leave my babies in the hands of strangers and always stayed at the church during club time, I was asked to be a helper. I started out as a helper in the nursery. I watched the babies so their mothers could lead groups. Then I moved up to listening to them recite verses, to becoming Sparks helper, and finally to the primary Sparks teacher. I currently have 15 very active Sparks clubbers. I love being involved there. The other leaders are wonderful, Godly people who have a passion for children's ministry. I love working with them.

     Two years ago a new pastor was voted into this church. It was his belief that only church members should be primary leaders and teachers in the programs of the church. I understood and didn't try to fight it. However, many of my co-workers were upset and sent him several emails saying they needed me and would he please reconsider. Reconsider he did. He called me in for an interview and decided that I could continue working in their program with the understanding that if he could find someone else that was a member of the church to take the position I would still be welcome to help, but would not be teaching.  No problem.

    Well, two years later I am still there and our two churches are beginning to plan some events together. Recently, their was a Share Your Faith Workshop that both of our churches participated in. Some of the members from this other church also come to our church to participate in our annual "Walk Through Bethlehem" in which we give actual tours through the series of events that lead up to the birth of Christ. We also put on a re-enactment of the book "Between Heaven and Hell."

     Sunday night, the children's choir put on a concert and it was absolutely incredible. But even more incredible was the number of people who came up to me afterward and asked how I was doing and expressed that they had been praying for me through my recent hospital stay. I hadn't realized that I had the prayer chain of both churches praying for me to have a quick recovery, with no lasting or scary results to look forward to. What a blessing to be a part of two amazing church families.

I just got a chance to stop by and was concerned to read about your ER trip. Hope that you are much better now and in good health.
We also have many church families that we are part of due to the different programs offered through them It doesn't matter where we are, God is using our gifts and talents for His purposes, doesn't He? Stay well and blessings abound!

How cool there is a town name after your son! :)

I actually moved from there to a Log Cabin by a lake last month...

Loved your double blessings post about your churches... you are truly blessed to have so many avenues to fan the flames of your faith.

He is so worthy of our Praises - no matter where we do it!