Memories

by Jane Josephs

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”  –Prov. 22:6

Several months ago, I came across a box in our garage that contained brown, faded newspaper clippings, old programs, and other miscellaneous items from my childhood that my mother had saved. And it only took looking at a few of the items to realize that there was a pattern to my early life: School. Girl Scouts. Church. Repeat.

Of course, there were a few mentions of school plays and dance recitals, too (what little girl doesn’t want a tutu?)…and an old photo of my pony Scout who lived out his days on the hills of Ohio long after I’d gone to college. But by in large the programs and clippings told the story of how much the church influenced my life. Choir, Sunday School, summer camp, youth group, pot luck suppers, Vacation Bible School, food drives, and the annual Holiday Bazaar, just to name a few. If the church doors were open, I was there.

Looking back on it, I can see my folks followed the advice of King Solomon: “Start children off on the way they should go…” I hit a few snags when I went off to college, needing to discover for myself in a new fresh way that Jesus—not going to church—is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But having a home church where I belong and know I’m loved makes all the difference in this journey we call life. I hope this Christmas season you have found a home at PLC. If not yet, don’t give up looking. There’s plenty of joy to be found. And memories to be made.

Merry Christmas!

Dear Lord, thank You for the church and the love and support its people provide to the world. Pour out Your grace and peace in full measure for Your glory and praise. Amen.