Living Hope CRC in Sarnia is the home church for most of our team and our supporting congregation. My friend Richard, who invited me on this adventure, is a Pastor there and they were having a dedication service for us Sunday morning. It is just over an hour from my place in a small city I don't know very well so I was worried that I would get lost. But it is also the home church of a student Ty, who came to London this fall and I have become his "Auntie Gayle", getting him oriented to the city, hanging out at movies and events and making sure he gets a few home cooked meals. Since he is studying Social work, I asked if he wanted to get some real world experience and come with me as my support worker to make sure I got there on time and didn't get lost. He was in.
I gathered up Ty, a quick stop at Timmies for a coffee and cookies breakfast( I might not always be the best influence) and off we went. The drive was smooth, although we were cutting it close with time. I had Ty text Richard to let him know we would be there but it would be close. Ty's tuition is really paying off, he gives great directions and we just squeaked in as things were getting started.
Ty's Dad met us at the door, bringing us in from the cold. "You must be Aunt Gayle! So nice to meet you. I am to escort you to the seat we have saved for you up at the front." It was so comforting to be met with grace, kindness and warmth even when you are late.
I took my place with the rest of the team. Living Hope has just completed their new sanctuary and it is a lovely warm space meant to make you feel at home. Unfortunately, a lot of our team are out with colds and flus this week so only a few of us were there for the dedication, which made me even more glad that I had taken the time to be a part of it.
As I stood at the front, looking out at the facing in the congregation, I was amazed by severals thing.
*That these people have heard my name but have never met me until now, yet they willing are sending me out to represent them in the world. Everything I do and say will reflect back on them. Despite not knowing me, they trust me.I need to be acutely aware and respectful of that.
*They send me to do this with great love, support and many prayers and blessings. They are a place to come home to safely.
After the service, I had to rush out to get back to London for work. Even so a few people came and personally gave me their blessings and prayers. I am grateful that they take the time to do that and again, I will always make time for these intimate moments of caring.
Thank you Living Hope CRC.
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