As I reflect on the circuitous path of my spiritual journey several key events come to mind. While I might have been raised in a ‘church going’ Methodist home, it all seemed very status driven; definitely not taken to heart, sorry to say. Nonetheless, something must’ve been lying dormant in me because the roadside sign on Hilliard Road announcing an upcoming blood drive at a Methodist church caught my eye when we moved to Lakeside and I started donating blood regularly. Of course, that means that Joanne and Butch Kelchner entered my life! They invited me to their Sunday school class and then the worship service. Eventually I signed up for a Disciple Bible Study (DBS) class that met weekly for basically a school year. In this group I became acquainted with Gary Murphree and Larry Brayton (as well as Mark Rooks) and the knowledge and wisdom these three bestowed on me can only be described as….Divinely inspired.
In a most wonderful way DBS forever changed the direction of my life and I will always remember this time and these people with deep regard. Now, as I (try to) walk with the Lord, I am continually reminded of all the mustard seeds scattered throughout my life. Thank you, LUMC, and thank you, Father, for this gift:)