“You live in Richmond? Do you have a church?”
Those two questions that were asked to me in the summer of 2016 were questions that I never imagined would change my life. That’s how I found Christ the King Lutheran Church. While I was working at camp, a pastor told me about a friend of his that was a pastor in Richmond. At the time, I was looking for a new church and Christ the King literally fell into my lap. Some may call that a God thing. I sure do.
I went once or twice in the fall of 2016. I met the pastors. Then, I had three family members pass away within three months of each other. I spent the majority of that fall in Pennsylvania with my family. I still remember emailing the pastors at CTK telling them about what had happened. They sent me a card. I barely knew them, had only been there once or twice, and they took the time to write and send a card. I should have realized with that gesture what an incredible blessing this church and these people would be on my life.
I took a little break from church after that. Going was too difficult, especially by myself. I was holding all of this grief inside and church seemed to always make it come to the surface. I was angry at God for what He had done to my family and was giving Him the silent treatment (Yeah, I know…ask me how that went…). I saw that during Advent, CTK did Holden Evening Prayer for midweek service. I was introduced to Holden Evening Prayer at camp and it continues to be one of my favorites. Knowing they were doing Holden got me through the doors. I was welcomed back with open arms and open hearts. After that, the rest is, as they say, history.
I helped lead youth group. I assisted with confirmation. I met amazing people, amazing leaders, and amazing youth. Like, amazing youth. It is because of CTK youth that I know I will always be a part of youth ministry. These people became my church family. I was greeted by girls yelling, “HANNA!” and running at me every time I walked in the door. I listened as youth prayed during squeeze prayers. I watched them share testimonies about how their lives were changed after attending the National Youth Gathering. I helped guide them as they planned the first Youth Sunday in two decades. This group of youth, I tell you, they are game changers and I cannot wait to see how they are going to impact the world.
Christ the King has truly been a home away from home these past couple of years. “You don’t have plans for Easter dinner? Come to our house!” I was planted as a seed in this church. I can honestly say that I have grown more in my faith in the past two and a half years at CTK than I ever have anywhere else in my life. What an incredible blessing. These people, these pastors, these youth have taught me more in two and a half years than I ever thought was possible. I will carry those lessons and that knowledge with me the rest of my life.
Today, I said “See you later” to that very church and those very people that have changed my life. I would be lying if I said there were not tears. There were lots of tears. There have been lots of tears the past couple of months thinking about leaving CTK to move back to Pennsylvania. How do you leave a church that has poured into you their love and faith and grace and forgiveness? Not easily, that is for sure.
I was able to sit with an amazing family today during service and I was so incredibly thankful. I knew it was going to be rough. Kids have this amazing gift of making people smile. My two buddies did not disappoint today. “You have tears.” Yep, I do. After explaining that I was sad because I was moving back to Pennsylvania, my sweet little friend looks at me and says, “I don’t want you to move back to Pennsylvania.” My heart broke a little bit in that moment. But then it healed a little bit when I realized how incredibly blessed I am that saying “See you later” is so hard. With that kind of love comes that kind of heartbreak.
Christ the King, you have changed me for the better and I will never forget what you have done for my life and my faith.
Until next time.
Love,
Hanna