I came to Fountain City United Methodist Church to be your youth minister in June of 2001. As only God could work it out, I became one of your pastors in June of 2006. With all of this considered, I have been nurtured and loved by this congregation and church staff for almost seven years. On one hand, it certainly doesn’t feel like I have been a part of this great congregation for that many years. On the other hand, I have spent the last six and one-half years falling in love with the people of FCUMC. You have supported me, cared for me in countless ways, and encouraged me to follow what God is doing in my life. Since I have been at Fountain City all these years, it does not surprise me in the least to discover that you are such a loving and encouraging congregation. You have proved that to me in countless ways over the past years. I knew that this was a congregation that loved and supported their pastors in very tangible ways but until my recent illness and hospitalization, I had not discovered the true depth of that love and support.
As most of you know, I spent about three weeks trying to recover from two surgeries and a 16-day hospital “vacation.” This was not something that I expected and was totally not what I would have chosen. As difficult as this process has been, I have found some very unexpected blessings as well. Never before have I felt God’s presence so strongly in my life. God reminded me so many times that I was not alone in this situation and that God would provide the healing, love, comfort, and strength that I would need. Since the very first day of my illness to today, there have been a multitude of church members and staff members who have offered their love and assistance.
You have sent me cards (164 to be exact) that have told of your love and concern for me. You have made multiple phone calls to check on how I was doing (so many calls that the phone in my hospital room had to be disconnected so I could get some rest), and you sent gifts and flowers to brighten my hospital room. Literally each time I opened my eyes, I was reminded of your love and care as I looked at the nine-foot banner that was signed by the Wednesday night congregation and hung on the wall directly in front of my bed. Each time a new nurse or hospital staff member would come in, they would be totally amazed at the “florist shop” and the symbols of love that were throughout the room. They would always remark, “Someone must really love you,” and I would always smile and respond “They sure do!”
Your love as a church seemed to have no limits. There were individuals who stayed overnight with me in the hospital, friends who loved and supported my family during these long days, and people who seemed willing and ready to do whatever I needed done. Please know that I am so appreciative of all of these things; but most of all, I am grateful for the countless prayers that you sent up to God on my behalf. I am convinced it was your faithful prayers and God’s healing that brought the recovery and the strength that I needed through these weeks. I cannot thank you enough for your faithfulness!
One of the cards I received last week stated “Please know how much we love you and how much we miss you at church.” That statement seems to speak for so many members of this congregation. I have had a lot of time to think about what I could have done to deserve your overwhelming love and support. I concluded that there was no way that I could have done anything to warrant your outpouring of concern. As Jim Whedbee told me one day, it’s just another symbol of God’s grace and mercy to us. And so it is!
Thank you for allowing me the high privilege of continuing to serve as one of your pastors. I am humbled by your love for me and have re-committed myself to loving and serving this congregation in our mutual love for the Lord with everything that is within me. I am gradually working myself back into the worship and ministry of the church and can’t wait to see you and share in our joy of the Lord together.
- Melissa
