You had me at hello
Remember the Herdmans in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever? They came for the treats, but stayed for the Good News. Imogene even filched the picture of the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child because of her positive experiences at church!
We all have different reasons for choosing a church home. Initially, I came for the music. As a long-time minister of music in other cities where previously I had lived, I was well-familiar with Howard Helvey’s prominence. Learning Howard was at Calvary was a huge drawing reason for me. And I was not disappointed! However, I ended up staying for the people. On my very first Sunday, I sat with Cory Oysler and Jim Graham and daughter Raina for coffee after church. I felt so welcomed by their sincerity. We formed a fast friendship that has endured and blessed me over and over. I also stayed for the children. When Rev. Olivia was chosen to begin our Fearless tweens group, I asked if she might need help. Initially, we met almost every Sunday, and during the pandemic, we met outdoors, even in winter, around the fire pit! Experiencing the growth of these youth has been a delight. When Rev. Allison formed Calvary’s first Education for Ministry class, I joined for the intense study, self-discovery, and friendships. And during the past year, when I have been in a quite vulnerable space with my health, I learned my EfM group, now led by Lois Brown, had been praying for me each week after I signed off from ZOOM. Healing prayers. Blessings.
Each of us has a different reason to come to church, as well as, perhaps, a new, additional reason to stay. I came for the music, which is always superlative; I stayed for the people, for the youth, for the friendships, for the amazing priests and ministry. Calvary, you had me at “Hello.”
Paula Winans
Fearless Tweens Leader
