Generosity & Stewardship: A Place That Feels Like Family

Linda Diers

When I came to St. Paul Lutheran Church, I was looking for community—a place where I would feel comfortable. Through Friends in Faith, I had already become acquainted with some of the members, but I still didn’t know what it would feel like to become part of the congregation.

I had attended many churches over the years. Whenever I moved, I found a church nearby. I worshiped in Presbyterian, Methodist, and Lutheran congregations. Each one had good qualities, and some fit me better than others. But I never experienced what I felt the first time I walked into St. Paul.

As soon as I walked in, it was like walking into a family.

That first welcome made all the difference. It wasn’t just that people greeted me. From the very beginning, I felt like I belonged. Instead of simply attending another church, I found a church home.

One of the things I appreciate most about St. Paul is our worship. I love the praise band and how the music connects with the day’s sermon and message. It’s not a concert – we have a worship service. I also appreciate receiving Holy Communion every Sunday. I was especially glad to see children serving as acolytes again, because involving young people in worship reminds us that the church belongs to every generation. When the service is over, I leave feeling as though I have truly worshiped.

Supporting St. Paul financially has become part of how I care for the church that has become my family. I give a regular monthly offering, and when there are special collections that I want to support, I gladly do so. I also make an additional gift at the end of the year. It’s simply one way I participate in the life of this congregation.

My greatest hope is that St. Paul will once again be filled with young families and children, as it was 10 or 15 years ago. I remember when there were activities and support for families, and I often encouraged parents to bring their children to church because I believed it was important. I hope we can again become a place where children grow in faith and where new families discover what I found – a church that feels like family.

I’m grateful to be part of a congregation that continues to Care, Share, and Grow in Christ’s love. Thank you to everyone whose prayers, presence, service, leadership, and financial generosity help make St. Paul the kind of church where people don’t simply attend – they belong.