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ur family moved here, January of 2021. School had already started, and the pandemic still had most activities on lock down. And then the “big freeze” happened. Oh, it was a lovely time to be settling into a new house and a new town. But alas, out of the bumps of the first month or so, we began to see a real engagement with community. One of our prayers entering this new season of life, was that we would meet lifelong friends, all of us! Of course, we didn’t expect this to happen overnight, but it did happen rather quickly. The first place we began to see relationships form, was out at the baseball fields. My son was ready to play spring ball and I “encouraged” my husband to help coach. At first, he argued against this volunteer opportunity. He was too busy with work and home life. He had no extra time. This should sound familiar to many of you! But eventually he decided he would assist where he could. That ended up being at almost all practices and games. His passion for helping coach and building relationships with other coaches began to take higher priority over all the reasons he was “too busy” in the beginning. I myself found ways to slowly connect. And although it was an unconventional avenue, I decided to sign up as a substitute for Anna ISD part time. I already worked as a pastor, but I thought this would be a great way to meet new people. When I began I was incredibly nervous, wondering would I fit into the culture of teachers and education. Now, I feel like part of the school, getting to know students and staff. All of us, our children included, have, in a short period of time, come to know so many of our neighbors and create deep friendships. So why is this important? Community is what allows us to experience joy and happiness. It allows us to look beyond ourselves and feel connected for a higher purpose. Community also is our support when things get hard. Think about how many people over the last two years have felt isolated and alone. Even with social media being a moderately new avenue for community to form, nothing can replace in-person experience. My favorite scripture from the New Testament is from Matthew 22:37-39. “37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus was tried to be backed into a corner, having to choose between what law was more important to follow. Instead of playing the game, Jesus made it abundantly clear, Loving God and Neighbor, is what we are all called to do. In order to love our neighbor, we have to get to know them. How can you love someone you never talk to or engage with? Sure, we can be strangers, who in times of need show up with support. But what about the art of forming friendships; showing up with things are good and celebrating life together? Holistic spirituality does not mean focusing on your relationship with God in isolation. Instead, it means living out that relationship among community. Community is essential to our spirituality, not an afterthought or add on. Even Jesus lived among community, engaging in dinners and travel. We have a great opportunity, right here in Anna, to be real neighbors for each other. Check in, see what people are going through. Maybe even bake them some cookies, just because you can. With so many new people
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moving here, it is important that each of us takes up the responsibility to connect and love each other. So how do you do that? For starters, if you are able, enjoy being outside, either in your front yard or in our community parks. My family loves going to the Paw Park. I can vouch they are a very fun community! Put yourself in situations where you can talk to people. Second, check the city website. They always have great activities to be apart of for all age ranges. The local churches also have different ministries that fit various needs. Consider trying something new. Take a dance class or volunteer for the local food pantry. Find ways to engage with people that are safe, but maybe a little out of your comfort zone. Who knows, you might make a lifelong friend! I am excited for the growth and diversity of Anna and look forward to meeting new people in our community! Blessings, Reverend Dallen Morgan REV. DALLEN MORGAN moved to Anna in 2021 based on a calling to be a part of the community. Her family includes husband Matt, and children Kaylee, Easton and PollyNell. She graduated with her Masters from SMU Perkins in 2017, MA in Divinity. She currently serves Anna United Methodist Church and hopes to broaden the doors of church for all people to feel welcomed!
COME AS YOU ARE Really! Just as you are! Anna U nit ed
Met hod i s t
Chur ch
Currently meeting @ 332 Miller Lane, Van Alstyne Worship - 10:30 am, blended service Youth Group - Wednesday at 6pm, dinner included Find us on Facebook
Loving God, Loving our Community
Anna Living Magazine
