Day 49

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Clarendon, VA

I did something today I rarely get a chance to do. I visited a church where I once served as Associate Pastor. When I was on staff at the church, she was called the First Baptist Church of Clarendon. Today she is known as the Church at Clarendon. The church has changed dramatically since I was there. The building above the church is now an apartment complex that offers affordable housing to residents who qualify. Their worship service is different too. It is more comtemporary than traditional. This was Pentecoste Sunday. A young woman was baptized. It is always a joy to witness a baptism.

I was recognized as a former staff member during the worship service. Afterwards, a group from the church joined together for lunch at the Olive Garden. We were 17 in number. It was so precious to visit with my dear friends. I felt like a Queen for the Day!

I learned about their children who were once a part of the Youth Group. All have now graduated and are married with children of their own. Where does the time go?

After lunch, I visited in the home of my dear friends, Jim and Vivian Guynn. We relaxed and talked. They are always so gracious to me. They practice the spiritual gift of hospitality better than anyone I know. How grateful I am for their friendship. It was so nice to go back to a place of service and see how God is at work.

I count it all joy,

Pastor Vallerie