Testimonial given by Abbe Wertz, March 10, 2024.

I came to this church like many of us did for the first time.  Children in tow, a little (or a lot) frazzled. A little (or a lot) hesitant to talk to anyone, and a little (or a lot) afraid I would not have anything to give.  That I did not have enough.

Mother of twin one year olds I was tired, broke and emotionally tapped.  I didn’t think I was ready to contribute to a wider community in any meaningful way. So, I sat in the back (I see you back there.)  And I *might* have cried a little, but I showed up. And I am SO glad I did. In the 24 years that have followed I learned (and continue to learn) that I did have something to give to this and the wider community and that I belong here.

Not long after my first Sunday I met Ginny and Delight. Names familiar to some of you, but if not. They are love embodied.  They were teachers, they were mothers, they were Goddesses of food and community. Vegetables and flowers.  They were pillars of this church.  (like so many of you here are today) They quietly took me under their wing, without me even noticing really, and made me feel like I belonged here. They taught me that what I brought to the church :  my willingness to help make pies, dig in the dirt, move chairs, even my silly, loud, roly poly twin boys- these were gifts that I brought in those early years.  And it was enough.   

Years went on and life and contributions to the church changed.  I worked nights as a nurse and felt the emptiness of night shift fatigue change my energy and I often felt too tired to be ready to come and contribute to church. But I showed up as I could and I am so glad I did.  I taught Sunday school and learned to laugh with teenagers while I learned about my own faith through and with them. In time, energy, and resources I gave what I could in those tired days. And it was enough.

My family grew older and again life and contributions changed.  Some years more than others it was hard to show up. Life was difficult.  Church was sometimes difficult too.  But I did show up and I am so glad I did.  Throughout those years I gave through time on the Board of Trustees, time in the choir, still moving chairs and making pies, helping to organize Community Meals and I gave financially as well. It felt right. I gave what I could and it was always enough.  And in those years and up to this very day I receive even more than I could possibly give.

So I guess what I am saying to you is – Risk Showing Up. For this church, for the community and for yourself.  Show up in whatever way you can.  You bring beautiful gifts.,, even if you doubt it, and they are enough.  It’s the wrong season, but it’s one of my favorite images – both full of doubt and hope- the drummer boy brings his gift of music to the baby Jesus and the Magi brings her gold. Both are enough. Show up – here and in the wider community and bring your gifts– in every way that you can -and know they will multiply for you and they will be be so gratefully received.