I would like to thank Pastor Mary and the Stewardship Committee for asking me to speak to you today. 

I have a strong connection to this Church, not only in faith but also Faith Family. My paternal great grandparents were founding members of Holy Trinity, along with 4 other families.  So my roots run deep, my feet are firmly planted at this Church. I was baptized and confirmed in this church, both by Pastor Wuchter and I was married in this church by Pastor Scholl.  My 3 children have been baptized by Pastor Mary and my oldest received her first communion last year.

When I was growing up in the church I was the “nuturee”, now I am the “nurturer” for my children. The memories I have growing up in church are wonderful.   From Sunday school to youth group, I made memories that will I will cherish forever.  Now it is my turn, to nurture my family in my faith in God and give my children the chance to make their own memories here.

My oldest MaCay, has been enrolled in Sunday school since preschool and she has earned several attendance certificates.  Last year, she earned Perfect attendance for not missing one day of Sunday school.  I, however, could not say the same.  Even though I made sure MaCay was here every week for Sunday School, I was feeling disconnected  because I could not attend worship every week. I was a “regular” at the 5:00 Saturday services but, I was unable to attend Sunday worship.

Last spring, I talked to Pastor Mary about how when I was a child, my parents would take me to Sunday School and they would go to worship at the same time.  Since our services were no longer coinciding with Sunday school, I explained that with 3 children I was unable to worship on Sunday. I also knew that there were many other families that were experiencing the same thing. 

Even though children are always welcome in worship, when you have 2 children under the age of 3, rarely do you have peace and quiet.  On the days I would bring them to worship, I was finding it hard to center myself and truly listen to the service.

Now, that the services have changed, I am able to attend worship every Sunday and 2 of my 3 children attend Sunday school. My second child started Sunday school this year and my son goes to the nursery.  Now, when I come to church, I am able to nurture myself and focus on worshipping.   I can honestly say that I feel so enriched when I walk out of Sunday morning service each week and I know that I am living a better life because of the “nourishment” I receive from worship each week.  

I am no longer dropping my daughter off at Sunday school and then driving away.  “I now walk the walk, not just talk the talk.”

I am living fully in the Grace of God!

Catherine Schwier-Mencer