I was raised in the church. We went to Sunday School, Church, Bible School, Youth Group, Church camp. Grace before meals and bedtime prayers. Yes, I believed in Jesus , the Presbyterian church was big on the trinity. The Father Son and the Holy Ghost. The church was very much a part of my life. Until…. I went away to college. I was in a different town and my mother was no longer there to wake me up on

Sunday morning. My room mate and I did go one or two Sundays to a church nearby . But for the most part.. Although I still believed I was no longer getting that weekly pep talk and reminder of the way we should live. I’m afraid I was tempted to behave in a way neither my parents or God would approve. Then came marriage and family … between caring for family and work I’m afraid I did not make time to go to Church.

As the boys got older, I had time for a hobby … don’t ask me why not time for Church. I started quilting and joined a group that met at each other’s homes a couple times a month. One meeting was at Betty Jo’s house. She was a little retired schoolteacher who was not only a quilter but also a wonderful cook. We loved to go to Betty Jo’s to quilt and enjoy lunch at her house. As I was heading for the door after lunch Betty Jo touched my elbow and quietly asked Nancy do you believer in Jesus Christ our Savior? I answered yes. Then she asked do you have a church? I answered yes. And I scooted out the door. As I got in the car I felt so bad…Why did I lie to Betty Jo? I did believe in Jesus but certainly did not have a church. I felt so bad. Then do you believe how I felt two weeks later when I was notified that Betty Jo had passed?

I attended her celebration of life at the Keystone Methodist church. The church reminded me of the Methodist church my Grandparents went to. It was there that I made a vow to find me a church. Google search Methodist Church near me lead me to Wesley. When I walked in the door Fran put an arm around my shoulder and asked ”Are you by yourself?”. When I said yes she said come set with us. I was so warmly welcomed, and the sermon was just what I needed to hear. I’ve been coming ever

since.

I thank God for Betty Jo and Wesley Memorial and the many friends I have made there.

Nancy Blunk