The guys in the choir at our new church
play a game each Sunday they call, “Where's Waldo?”. Linda
decided when we came last September to sit in a different place each
Sunday. She wanted to create connections with as many people as
possible. Add to this her relatively small stature--and the fact she usually comes in at the very last second--and it can get
tough to spot her. So the guys always try to be the first. It's
only rumor that the winner gets a red- and white-striped long sleeve
shirt.
We probably had our biggest attendance
yesterday since coming here except for Christmas and “Zoo Day”
(my first Sunday when they wanted to see the new animal). Because
she gave the Children's Sermon, Linda sat right up front. I don't
know which choir guy won Waldo but I do know this: I could hear her
singing. Make no mistake, the singing in this church is
enthusiastic. I could hear her because she was so near, not for a
lack of general volume.
And it was sweet. So sweet. We love
this church. Its people have drawn us right into their circle. Many
of them have entrusted me so deeply into their stories it sometimes
seems impossible to believe we came such a short time ago. A few of
the women have involved Linda in mission volunteering with them;
others have become “lunch friends”. To worship Jesus with these
people, in our beautiful sanctuary, and to feel welcomed onto the
team makes us happy. And what a blessing to hear the only girl I've
had for 43 years singing her heart out in the midst of such a
healthy, welcoming congregation.
Thank you, God.
