United Church of Pittsford

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my faith story since Jim asked me to share it. Frankly, I wasn’t sure I had one. I certainly don’t have one that’s filled with lightning bolt moments or earth shattering events. But I must have one, right? I felt compelled to figure it out – almost couldn’t stop thinking about it. Here’s what went through my mind:

So I started at the beginning - like I suppose many stories start – my mother took me to Sunday school and church. I learned Bible stories and about right and wrong. I had wonderful SS teachers. And what I learned at church was mirrored by what I was learning at home. My parents weren’t reading scripture to us, but there was a definite sense of learning how to conduct ourselves in a way that reflected Christian values – there were no exceptions. I also remember distinctly that during my confirmation classes, I found a sort of comfort in the different seasons – advent, Kingdom Tide, Lent… I can’t really explain why they were important to me except that I think they helped me organize all the information in my head. But, most importantly, as I was growing up in my church, I had a feeling of belonging and acceptance that, although I didn’t realize it at the time, would sustain me through my college years and early adult years – even though I wasn’t attending the church anymore. So, as I’m thinking about how my faith developed during my childhood, I was struck by how significant it all was to who I am today. Note to self – keep the girls involved in this church! Belonging, acceptance, forgiveness – all from knowing God and being with people who also believe in Him.

During my early adult years, I moved around a good bit and so I didn’t belong to a church for many years. I was surprised that when I thought back to every place I lived, in every place, I looked for a church. I obviously needed a church, but I was never in one place long enough to really get established But, I was able to maintain my faith with just one thought, really. Through a few difficult times, I had the good sense to remind myself that I’m never alone – not ever. Just pray. I found profound comfort in that thought – and I don’t think I would have had that faith without my upbringing.

Today, (my faith has grown) and I find that there are three main aspects to my faith: this church, music, and prayer. Soon after Anna was born I got serious again about finding a church. For good or bad, I realized I had to find a church that was very similar to my childhood church. I had found that nothing else worked for me. I found UCP in the phone book, called, and heard a friendly voice on the message. I got a good feeling right away. From there I was welcomed by so many of you. Sue DeLeys and Carol Peterson were particularly helpful with my girls. I had found home at last. The need for acceptance and belonging through shared beliefs was met. And my faith could grow because UCP supports my other faith outlets, music & prayer. Singing in our choirs is so wonderful, not to mention that you will never find a more supportive group of people. Music is an outlet for me and my faith. Again, the theme of organizing comes to mind – Music allows me to express my faith in ways I couldn’t without the hymns, composers, directors, accompanists. This church tremendously supports that need. It also supports a prayer life. Jim often encourages us to pray – about everything. It doesn’t matter what it is. I still struggle to remember that prayer is the answer and the weekly reminder helps me. Recently Jay and I were having some employment struggles and I was discussing it with my mother and we realized we weren’t sure what to pray for – what was the best outcome? I then remembered the ‘prayer that never fails’, which is a phrase often mentioned in Jan Karon’s Mitford series books. The prayer that never fails was just the ticket – ‘thy will be done’ – let Him decide – He knows best – and He did. What a relief!

So… these were my thoughts. I have a faith story. It was good to figure it all out. Thank you for hearing it.