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.
So 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.
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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