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An Attitude of Gratitude - East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Elite RM423455

Some of you know I was a pastor for 22 years before becoming a real estate agent. Within our denominaton, it is strongly encouraged when a pastor resigns, he or she should find another congregation to call home.

East Chestnut Street Mennonite ChurchSo at the end of April, 2008 I began my career as a full time real estate agent and a journey to find a new faith community. It took awhile. With a new found freedom of no responsibilities on Sunday morning, my wife and I took a breather. We slept in, we travelled, we just enjoyed the respite. We leisurely attended several congregations until 2008 came to a conclusion.

It was now time to settle in a place we could call home. A place where we gave our time and talents to benefit others and the community. A place where our faith was challenged and stretched. We decided on East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church located at 432 E Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA.

This is not a large congregation. There are about 200 people who attend and it is located in the city of Lancaster, a small city. This was part of what attracted us to this church, but it was much more than that.

Every Monday evening the church doors are opened and a meal is served for anyone in need in the community. Many people regularly attend these Monday evening meals. Other groups and churches besides East Chestnut Street take turns actually provide the food. But our congregation houses this meal and welcomes everyone to eat together.East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church

McCaskey High School is located a few blocks from the church. Our congregation hosts several events for the teachers of this high school. The intent is to encourage and support these educators in the important work they do. I have an attitude of gratitude for this commitment.

People support one another and encourage one another. East Chestnut Street has a heart for the hurting and struggling and find tangible ways to express faith in a very genuine way.

However, my gratitude leaps over mountain tops because of the amazing support this congregation, my congregation, has worked in a small way to eradicate homelessness. East Chestnut was able to birth a little non-profit called Chestnut Housing Corporation and with a generous support of time, talents, energy, money and prayer totally rehabbed a house located at 639 E Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA. I have the privilege of serving on the board of this non-profit. I am amazed at what has been accomplished by a few people who willing give of themselves to make a difference in this world.

I have an attitude of gratitude for East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church.

People gather Sunday after Sunday to sing, to read from the scriptures, to listen to insight from these Holy Scriptures, to study together and to encourage one another. But these are never empty rituals because it somehow spurs these folks to not remain complacent, but to love others through action. I am indeed grateful to call this place home.

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An agent who places your interests as his first priority. 
Cal Yoder

Your Homes for Sale in Lancaster Agent

Keller Williams Realty Lancaster

1630 Manheim Pike

Lancaster, PA 17601

Office Phone: 717-735-1145

Cell Phone: 717-413-0744

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You can find great local Lititz, PA real estate information on Localism.com The Living in Lancaster Group - Cal Yoder            717.413.0744       is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.

Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

Lancaster is a lovely place and the covered bridges are very nice to look at. 

Nov 30, 2011 02:07 PM
Joni Bailey
101 Main St. Realty - Huntsville, TX
Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®

I am sorry that you had to find a new church home after serving faithfully for 22 years at one -- but happy that you found a new one to love. It sounds like the Chestnut Street Mennonite Church is busy being the hands and feet of Christ. A perfect place for you to call home. Good for you!

Nov 30, 2011 02:13 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

sounds like you found a wonderful church family.  I wouldn't know where to start if someone thought I  should find a new place to worship.  I've only known one church my entire life.  Perhaps I'd just stay home and worship God from here. It must have taken great courage.  I'm glad to know you found a place that seems fabulous... like you.

Nov 30, 2011 02:13 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Leslie, I do love Lancaster and have latched onto the covered bridges as part of my marketing. Come visit us sometime and enjoy these bridges.

Joni, It has been a great place. I was a pastor for 22 years, but it was not at one location. I served in 2 congregations, each for 11 years. Those were good years.

Tammy, I willingly took the recommendation of moving. I knew how tough it would be for me to just sit tin the pew at our former congregtation. I, also, knew it would complicate the relationship between those in the congregation and the new pastor.

Cal

Nov 30, 2011 02:18 PM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

Oh, Cal, what a beautiful story!  This is not about religion, it's about walking in the Light.  Beautiful!

Nov 30, 2011 03:42 PM
Mary Macy
Top Agents Atlanta Metro - Roswell, GA
Top Agents Atlanta Metro

Churches are the cornerstones of many of our communities.  What a special place this church must be, thanks for sharing your story.

Nov 30, 2011 04:52 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

Lovely story Cal.  It sounds like you and your wife made the right choice when choosing your new home, and I'm sure the congregation is so pleased with what the two of you have to offer.  Best to you sir.

Nov 30, 2011 10:41 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Roger, thanks and I do believe we made a good choice. Developing relationships takes time though. Have a great day my friend.

Mary, church seems to have the organization to bring people together who somehow want to make a difference. Thanks for your comments.

Mimi, I am all about walking in the light. It is more fun than religion. Have a great day.

Cal

Nov 30, 2011 11:41 PM
Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain
Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Cal,

I admire congregations that have an enduring legacy of good works.

Good speed,

Steve

Dec 01, 2011 03:44 AM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Steve, it has been a blessing for me to be in this congregation. Have a great day my friend.

Cal

Dec 01, 2011 05:17 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks for telling us about your church and the important community outreach programs. You are setting a wonderful example for others to follow.

Colonial Williamsburg photograph by Roy Kelley using a Canon PowerShot G11 camera.

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Dec 02, 2011 01:16 AM