It's a Who, Not a Where.

       Three years ago, I had the opportunity to intern at a church in Lees Summit called New Beginnings Church of the Nazarene. When I began interning, I had no idea how this place was going to affect me. I knew about 10 people when I began attending and interning. My aunt was a Pastor on staff, so her and my uncle were counted in that 10. About five months after being there, my aunt transitioned into a different role that was no longer at New Beginnings. Honestly, it was really hard at first, but these people worked really hard to make me feel like I was part of them. I “left” New Beginnings in January. I was just shy of being there for three years. 

        I have realized in recent days, hours actually, that New Beginnings is not a place you can leave. Sure, I left the pastoral staff and regular attendance in the physical building. However, New Beginnings is a people, not a place. They are a body that does not exclude and calls you theirs even if you are not physically present in the daily functions. I have known these people are not normal (in the best way possible), but today showed it to me even more. I told a few people today that the way the entire body of the church offers pastoral care is not normal. One of the most beautiful things is that they have no idea. One person said, "It's not?" Another said, "What else would we do?" It is ingrained into the fabric of who they are. It inspires me.

I see New Beginnings as a people who:

·         Took in a college kid and made it known to her that she was family.

·         Follows Jesus and seeks to give him space to work in and through them.

·         Serves the neighborhood.

·         Value children and youth as vital parts of the Church body.

·         Offer care to those who are sick and hurting.

·         Throw baby showers, wedding showers and celebrations for people who need to be celebrated!

·         Offer to watch each other’s children and live into the fullness of community.

·         Gathered in a hospital room this morning and offered presence as a grieving mother told her daughters that their dad passed away. They remained there until mom was ready to leave.

·         Walked in front of, behind and beside the grieving mom as she walked out of the hospital for the first time into a new normal.

·         Immediately began organizing and working to offer care to this family in the coming days—without missing a beat.

·         Took on the job of pulling together the graduation parties for  mom and two daughters this weekend.

·         Have offered to clean toilets, mow yards and prepare meals.

·         Gathered as a body this evening and lifted the family up in prayer.

·         Strap their baby on the front of them as they kneel at the altar and pray.

·         Return to the altar to pray with a seven year old as he kneels following the example his mom set before him.

·         Believe in the power of prayer.

These are people that follow Jesus, love fiercely, serve passionately and give selflessly. I'm honored to be a part of this family called New Beginnings. My heart is broken, sad and grieving with the family that lost their dad/husband unexpectedly this morning. At the same time, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness for the people that are willing to hold this family in their arms and carry them through these dark and difficult days.

Please keep Michelle, McKenzie, Mikayla, Christen, Emily and Luke in your prayers as they mourn the loss of dad/husband, Patrick.