My Story -
I just want to say THANK YOU to my church family and to our Lord Jesus
for this year's vacation bible school. My niece attended VBS for the
first time. We saw her transform throughout the week to a child
confident among her peers with genuine smiles and a comfort that is
usually difficult for her to achieve.
The entire family noticed her excitement and her willing participation
in songs and activities. While this would be enough of a blessing, I
have to add that this child's mother is facing a very immediate
uncertain future with a life-threatening disease. How wonderful of our
Lord to provide this provision of grace to her at this crucial time! - anon.
My Story - Get Back …
About six or seven years ago my family and I started attending New Covenant UMC. After going through Starting Point we joined the church and became involved. My husband and I were part of a small group that we enjoyed very much, I served on a ministry team and our three boys participated in their respective Sunday School classes—all was well.
Then as life would have it, a change took place. We moved. Although we were still in the Edmond area, the kids changed school districts and the adjustment was difficult. Being a “Mom” and also because of the type of person that I am, I tried to hold everything and everyone together. The result of that was of course a lot of stress. And instead of turning to my church and to the wonderful people that we had come to know, I (we) turned away. I concluded in my mind that without the church responsibilities my stress would be lessened. That of course was not the case.
In time we made our adjustments and learned a great deal along the way. Four years eventually went by. During this time we attended other churches—some for long periods of time, others for just a few visits. And more often than not we didn’t go to church at all. But God did not leave us alone. “You should go back!” He would say. And the answer would always be, “But it’s not easy to go back.”
In December and the beginning of January of this year we were attending another local UMC. It is a fantastic church but after going to their information meeting we felt that it just wasn’t the place for us. So on a Sunday evening my husband and I made the decision that New Covenant really was where God wanted us to be. Two days later on a Tuesday, we received a postcard in the mail from a New Covenant member who is also our friend and neighbor, inviting us to come back! (God’s fingerprint was on that card!)
Our first Sunday back was the start of the “Just Walk Across the Room” series and we have looked forward everyday since then.
Many lessons have been learned because of this period in our lives and here are a few that come to mind:
1. When times get tough, the tough should Not get going! That is what God made church for: to nurture me, love me, and to help grow me.
2. Rely on God—He will guide me and sustain me-always!
3. There are times when going back is the only option! I’m reminded of the Beattles song that says “Get back to where you once belonged”
I give thanks for this determined God of ours! It is easy to go back after all!
-Cathy Karry
One of the strongest forms of witnessing to others is the personal testimony. Everyone is encouraged to share their story. We will begin posting them right here as soon as they arrive. Please let us know if you would like to share your story live or on video. Contact Mark at the church office at 562-3201 or mwelch@ncovenant.org. This is an opportunity to encourage others and let people know what Jesus has done in your life.