Becoming a Member

We have been members of Bellevue First for over ten years.  All four of my children have been baptized here, and my oldest two are confirmed members.  We came most Sundays, and I knew many of you by sight and some by name.  Everyone has always been friendly and polite, and each Sunday as people said, “How are you”, I always smiled back and answered “Fine”.

And then came last summer.  One horrible day a year ago, my best friend died suddenly and violently.  A few days later, my beloved great-aunt died.  The day after the second funeral, my sons moved out to attend college for their freshman year.  The following week the straw that broke the camel’s back, our much-loved pet died after an all-night vigil with the vet.  And, suddenly, I wasn’t fine anymore.

I was just starting my job here at church with Faith Formation where we had a brand new pastor.  My children were struggling with loss and fear, as was I.  My 9 year old daughter asked me why God kept taking away everything that she loved – how do you answer that?  And at church, when people asked how I was, I started to be honest.  I wrote Reflections from my heart, and so many of you reached back to me with stories of your own.  I received cards, and prayers, and parenting ideas and suggestions, and coffee, and love.  And I began to realize that church means so much more than showing up on Sunday mornings.

A couple of months later, I got double pneumonia that would not go away.  Six weeks of bed rest through November and December was not easy.  For years whenever I was asked if someone can help, I have always said, “No, we’re fine, thanks.”  But this year, I learned to say “Yes, thank you.”  And I learned that the people of Bellevue First are terrific cooks, and are great subs on Sunday mornings, and are helpful with my kids, and that the love and support that pours through our church is real, and tangible, and can hold you up when you feel you are sinking.

I became a member of this church 10 years ago – and I became a true member in the past year.  Sitting in the pew didn’t make me a member; saying “Yes”, being open to receive love and support, giving to the children of the church, learning names and faces, reading cards and messages of support, and realizing that I am a part of something so much greater than myself is what made me a true member of this fantastic congregation.

I invite all of you to be vulnerable to each other, to say “Yes” to offers for help and support, and to be honest with each other as we connect, on Sundays and every day.   

Sara Gillam