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E-Minute
by Erin Denny
January 6, 2008
When I thought about why I am a member of Crescent Hill, my
mind drifted back to the day I joined. Although I had been
a member since I was seven years old, the day I truly joined
was about ten years ago when I stood right up here and
pronounced my belief in God and my commitment to this church
by being baptized and confirmed.
I remember standing in front of this congregation and
feeling safe—feeling ready to take responsibility for my
spiritual health. I felt ready because I knew this church
would be behind me one-hundred percent, and would help guide
me as I grew. You had proven you were up to the task during
the earlier years of my childhood. You have loved and
encouraged me, and I trusted you when you said, in unison,
you would support me from here on out.
You have more than lived up to your promise. You sent
me on mission trips and eagerly asked me to share my
thoughts and feelings when I returned. You asked me to
serve as a youth elder and travel to the Presbyterian
General Assembly so I could experience my faith in a new
way. You valued my opinion and gave me room to grow.
You were here every Sunday I came and sent notes while I was
away at school. You welcomed me home with warm smiles.
Ten years later I find myself sitting in a pew with my
husband, watching baptisms and sponsoring my third
confirmand. Tears well-up in my eyes when I watch the
children of this church stand in the spot I once stood,
letting the water wash over them, trusting you. And when I
hear this congregation promise to always love and support
that them, I feel the truth in every word. I want to cry
tears of joy for the child so lucky to have all of you.
I still trust you, all of you. It’s true, the
congregation has changed over the years—people have come and
people have gone. But the feeling of the Church remains.
The support and love you show for one another remains.
God remains.
And so I will remain, and I will raise my children here,
because I know you have and always will be by my side.
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