Moment of Reflection

Deb Sutherland

In 1985, we moved to Niles. Michael had been a member of this church for years; his family would come to this church, but we just weren’t church people. Occasionally we would come with his mother on Sunday, and after a while, we came more frequently.

Clayton, the minister at that time, would show up at our door at the strangest times, just check to see how we were doing. We made this connection with him. Soon we were asked to help out as ushers. We were happy to do that, and Michael still is an usher today.

Finally we joined the church in 1991. People thought we had already been members since we were so active and doing so much in the church. It was the church family that brought us to want to volunteer to do things. I’ve been a Deacon, an Elder, and I’ve taught Sunday School several times.

We have such a wonderful church family. It’s helped us in losses in our family, sicknesses, and the good times.

That’s what I’d like to reflect on: our church family and what it means to me.