Family is vital to our healthy existence as people of God. We long for it, we cherish it when we have it, and we lament it when we don’t. One special person shared with me that she was so grateful for how this church helped her raise her kids as a single mom. As her eyes glistened, she shared how she can’t even imagine how that would have been possible without the love and support she received from her church family.

In John 14:2, Jesus shares this special promise with us; “In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” This promise is why we congregate as a people in Sunday morning worship, small group, bible study, prayer groups, etc. Our church was built to replicate this “Father’s House” that Jesus promises us.

Recently I was privileged to be invited to fellowship with the Young Adult Professionals (YAP) group. Instantly I was welcomed with smiles and a plate to dive into a delicious buffet of every food group imaginable. These are younger families with children who have created this special bond as an extended family, by the grace of God. As we talked, the prevailing theme once again was this longing to find a church family to belong to.

As we were leaving the gathering, I was treated to this indelible image that tugged at my heart. At that very moment in time I truly saw with my own eyes what God’s family looks like. I wish I had taken a picture or had the ability to paint this on a beautiful canvas. It was a polaroid moment. I felt the warmth and heard the laughter of joy as if I was in God’s promised house. In the Asbury Commons was this chaotic convergence of YAP families gathering their children (smiles beaming) and one of the “Family Promise” families with their children (smiles beaming), enjoying a delicious dinner hosted by dedicated AUMCer’s. Family Promise is a wonderful ministry that our church supports as a covenant partner. Our very own church opens the doors to these families in need of a safe, nurturing and loving place to lay their weary heads down even if just for a week. This very church and its people giving back by living out the “family” in the promise that our Father has already shared with us.

Finally, a little friend of mine, who goes by many names (depends on the day) approached me in the commons area one Sunday morning. He was proud to share with me a “scroll” he made in his Sunday school class. His proud dad said that he had even led the study that day. My little friend unrolled the “scroll” and shared with me that he had drawn himself living inside this house. The caption included the following scripture. “Didn’t you know I was in my Father’s House” (Luke 2:49).

Fellow AUMCer’s – we are indeed in our Father’s house. He has promised and blessed us with this extended family we cherish every week. For some of us that is all the family we have.

Let’s continue to invite others into the family of faith in my “Father’s house.” After all, we are all part of God’s family.

Peace,

Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader
AUMC Family since 1988