a culture of service
by Rohini Drake
T
he first service I attended at FUMCR was from a seat in the choir loft. When the doors to the sanctuary opened and I caught a glimpse of the grandness and beauty of the sanctuary, it literally took my breath away. I imagine many people who walk into our church for the first time have a similar experience. But the physical allure of this place isnât why my family and I have decided to make FUMCR our church home. Itâs because someone saved me a seat in choir rehearsal when I was brand new and didnât know anyone. Itâs because a Sunday school teacher made an extra effort to get to know my kids so they felt more comfortable going to a new classroom. Itâs because a greeter in the balcony remembered our names and told us how happy she was to see us again. Itâs because the communion servers look my kids in the eyes and tell them âJesus loves them.â Weâve felt welcomed and loved by the people at this church and thatâs why we want to grow and serve here. As FUMCR begins a Year of Service, Iâm excited by the possibilities for growing deeper into our culture of kindness and service. Since joining the staff in 2018, Iâve started to understand that loving and serving others has been part of the identity of FUMCR for a very long time. Iâve
JAN/FEB 2020
Rohini Drake, FUMCR Engagement Coordinator, with her family
learned about people that have served in positions for decades and have met people that are just starting to think about ways that they can serve others. This church is a place where people of any age or ability can
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find a way to reach out to others around them. During the Year of Service, Iâm looking forward to finding ways my family and I can be part of FUMCRâs mission of âserving others with Christâ.
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1