Me Me Me

I don’t feel comfortable talking about religion, much less writing about it. I grew up in a Baptist church that expected everybody to profess and re-profess their faith and repent and rededicate their lives to Jesus every other week. It was belief fueled by fear. Never mind that it was segregated. Or that women weren’t allowed to serve as deacons! But I have great memories of Vacation Bible School, youth musicals and old-time hymns, and even having a “sleepover” at the pastor’s house the night Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. 

We’ve now been members of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church for almost 30 years. It is such a special place, both physically (the most beautiful all-wood oval sanctuary that feels like sitting on a ship) and in the way the community takes care of one another. Great preaching, friends of all ages, a spiritual anchor for the kids — what a fabulous church we have.

Fifth Avenue is emerging from three years of internal turmoil and transition just in time to celebrate the congregation’s 200th birthday with a banquet this weekend. I was lucky enough to compile an anniversary photo book that turned out exactly as I envisioned it, thanks to a super-talented young designer, Christie Repcheck. It makes me happy to have been able to give this gift to a place that has given me so much! Happy birthday, dearest church!