What we'll miss the most: Christ Presbyterian Church

(no, it's not snowing in June - this is a winter picture of where we go to church)

When we arrived here last August we happened upon the best thing that has happened to us this year - Christ Presbyterian Church. We had never been to a Presbyterian church before and we weren't sure what to expect. We wonder if we'll ever find another place like it - the combination of the rich liturgical worship, thought provoking and convicting teaching and amazing fellowship is extremely unique.

There is so much going on at this place and we feel we have just barely seen the tip of the iceberg. First of all, I don't think I've ever seen such a large group of people function so well as a family and yet be so so welcoming to newcomers. We were warmly welcomed immediately and sometimes we can't even believe we've only been here for such a short amount of time. This is the place for us - the worship instructs us and draws our hearts to God. This church cares about the poor and the community and is so generous with what they have. This is a church that is mindful of it's urban location and seeks to be a light in New Haven. And the liturgy -I could write pages and pages on why I love liturgical worship. How it nourishes my soul to weekly read the various responses to "Christians, What do you believe?" or "Christians, what is your only comfort in life and death?" We are always reminded of the whole of our faith - from God to Christ's saving work to the resurrection and to the "world without end" that we long for. I love to see the little ones singing the Doxology and the Gloria Patri - these words are etched into their hearts already at such a young age.

A few weeks ago we were in church and I was just amazed to look around and see us surrounded by friends. We feel like we have been here for much longer than 9 months. Leaving this church is definitely the hardest part about moving. People here have been exceedingly kind to us and we have so enjoyed spending the year getting to know them. We are so challenged by the way everyone serves each other and especially by the way they have served us - meeting various needs we have had, like rides to the store or small group...and yesterday several of them loaded all our heavy furniture onto a moving truck. What a help!

Moving across the country to a state we had never visited, where we knew not a soul and had not one single connection (other than the admissions staff at Yale Divinity...) was the most adventurous move we've ever made. I'm amazed at how the year unfolded - how God put so many of His people in our lives so quickly. We leave behind dear friends and an incredible church body that we will sorely miss.