SUNDAY, MAY 12
MILE 4
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF KNOXVILLE
It is difficult to even know where to begin when writing about First Baptist...for it is the reason we came to Knoxville 8 1/2 years ago and it has served as the heartbeat of our time in this city we love.
A pastor's family is in a unique situation when moving to a new town because we immediately have community. From day one in Knoxville, we had a group who wanted to get to know us. We had meals delivered to our home, invitations to events, and play groups organized. It didn't take long for our family to feel that this was home.
In worship, I've been touched to the core so many times...through an anthem, a child making a decision to accept Christ, a friend's smile, a baby dedication, a graduate, a "new kid on the pew," a solo, a reading, a testimony...One of the most touching memories I have is when our deaf congregation joined us for worship one morning. There was a man attending who was not only deaf, but also blind. So, the music and Bill's sermon were first interpreted by sign language to a deaf man who then signed into the deaf/blind man's hands. Isn't that a wonderful picture?
In this place, my Drake was welcomed and dedicated. He was the first baby born to a Senior Pastor in 87 years. Do you think he wasn't loved?
In this place, my Parker accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized on Easter morning 2011. Unforgettable moment for this Mom and Dad.
But, a church is not only a place. It is a people. FBC Knoxville has loved our family deeply. I can look through the directory and tell stories about so many people that have touched my life...
...like Gerry E. who always brought a unique Christmas gift to me
...Tommy N. who built shelves in my son's room and benches for Kids Connection
...Billy W. who made a chocolate cake for our birthday
...Mark & Wendy who served communion to me at my home when I was on bedrest
...Andy, Ray & Marion who built steps to our treehouse
...Greg & Kay who sent flowers each year on Bill's anniversary of the church
...Wanda, Frances, Susan, Alice, Betty, & Karen who were my kitchen help for my Open Houses
...Sandy & Mercy who hosted a brunch for my sister's wedding
...Bob B. who I play Scramble with
...Judy who taught every 3 year old, "Special, Special."
...the Coley Class
...Mac who took us on a ride down the river
...Bill & Sharon who brought me ice cream from my hometown
...Bill & Bobbie who gave us a White House Ornament every year
...Charles who asks each week if I'd been to New Orleans or bought a new car
...Suzanne, Erica, Kristi, Carolyn, & Tina who were all pregnant at the same time I was!
...Bob who delivered a tool box to our house
...Dena who gives my boys tootsie rolls
...Scott & Jaynie who gave me a cheese grater
...Chuck & Pam, Fred & Dickie and AC & Maxine who shared their beach homes
...and many, many more.
...like Gerry E. who always brought a unique Christmas gift to me
...Tommy N. who built shelves in my son's room and benches for Kids Connection
...Billy W. who made a chocolate cake for our birthday
...Mark & Wendy who served communion to me at my home when I was on bedrest
...Andy, Ray & Marion who built steps to our treehouse
...Greg & Kay who sent flowers each year on Bill's anniversary of the church
...Wanda, Frances, Susan, Alice, Betty, & Karen who were my kitchen help for my Open Houses
...Sandy & Mercy who hosted a brunch for my sister's wedding
...Bob B. who I play Scramble with
...Judy who taught every 3 year old, "Special, Special."
...the Coley Class
...Mac who took us on a ride down the river
...Bill & Sharon who brought me ice cream from my hometown
...Bill & Bobbie who gave us a White House Ornament every year
...Charles who asks each week if I'd been to New Orleans or bought a new car
...Suzanne, Erica, Kristi, Carolyn, & Tina who were all pregnant at the same time I was!
...Bob who delivered a tool box to our house
...Dena who gives my boys tootsie rolls
...Scott & Jaynie who gave me a cheese grater
...Chuck & Pam, Fred & Dickie and AC & Maxine who shared their beach homes
...and many, many more.
I've been privileged to be a part of FBC's children's ministry for the past 6 years. I've painted lime green walls, built a giant paper mache tree...but mostly been loved on by kids. They have challenged me with their faith questions and inspired me by their love for church and one another.
So, thank you for the memories FBC...of RA Racers, Christmas Brunches, Easter Egg Hunts, Camps, Sunday School, Staff dinners, RA Gliders, picnics, Trunk or Treats, hayrides at the Anderson's, VBS's, Sanctuary Choir, 3&4 year old choir rehearsals, Christmas parties...
Knowing you has drawn me closer to our Lord. And at the end of the day, that is what church is all about.
So, thank you for the memories FBC...of RA Racers, Christmas Brunches, Easter Egg Hunts, Camps, Sunday School, Staff dinners, RA Gliders, picnics, Trunk or Treats, hayrides at the Anderson's, VBS's, Sanctuary Choir, 3&4 year old choir rehearsals, Christmas parties...
Knowing you has drawn me closer to our Lord. And at the end of the day, that is what church is all about.
"Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place. I can feel His mighty power an His grace. I can feel the brush of angels wings. I see glory on each face. Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place."
I guess now we are going to have to figure out how to get that ice cream from Kentucky to Florida, aren't we?? Bill and I are both loving the blog - wish you'd keep writing long after the 13 days are over. We sure do miss you!
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