CALLED TO SERVE: HOW ALDERSGATE CHANGED OUR FAMILY'S STORY

Originally shared at Charge Conference 2024, I wanted to offer this story here as well in the hope that it encourages others to listen for God’s calling and use their gifts in service at Aldersgate.

ANSWERING THE CALL

How Aldersgate Helped My Family Find Our Gifts, Our Community, and Our Faith in Action

My family and I are fairly new here, having joined the church a little over a year ago. Aldersgate has become a second home to us. It has nourished our souls, introduced us to an extended family, and provided us a platform to be stewards of our gifts.

From the moment we walked through these doors, we were met with a warmth that was unlike anything we had experienced before.

If I am being completely honest with you, our children, Charlotte and Cooper, actually chose this church for our family, which I think speaks volumes that they instantly felt that love too.

FINDING A HOME FOR OUR CHILDREN

We love our children’s program here. It reflects the values we hold dear and aspire to impart to our children who are our constant why and our greatest blessing. At Aldersgate, they are not mere extensions of us. They are Charlotte and Cooper. They are seen, heard, valued, and encouraged to be active participants in the life of this church.

Another key initiative that attracted us to this church is its commitment to service. The dedication of Methodists in action has been nothing short of awe-inspiring, and we are grateful for the opportunity to instill a sense of stewardship in our children and lead by example. Aldersgate has swiftly provided us with that platform, which in turn has had such a positive impact on our children who truly watch everything we do.

In the words of the Apostle Peter, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

ARRIVING IN A SEASON OF NEED

We found our way to Aldersgate during a challenging time, just as many families did after the COVID pandemic. After moving from the greater DC area to Huntsville in March 2020 (yes, March 2020 — a story for another time), we were searching for a church where we could put down roots and explore our faith more deeply.

And we dove deep. We studied denomination charts, took tests, and visited several churches in the area. But when we walked into Aldersgate, there was something different. An unexplainable warmth we had not experienced elsewhere.

Though we were initially unknown to this congregation, we soon experienced a profound life event. I had to undergo spinal surgery, which disrupted our lives for about a year. Those first six weeks proved especially challenging.

The outpouring of love, care, and support we received was overwhelmingly beautiful. It was an unparalleled experience, and we knew that when the time was right, we would give back as well, becoming stewards of our time, gifts, and resources.

ANSWERING GOD’S CALL

Now onto what I was asked to share today...answering the call from God.

For many years, I wrestled with severe stage fright. We are talking paralyzing. I tried everything, from theater to even becoming a news reporter, but the fear persisted. This fear of the spotlight kept me from singing in public for fifteen years.

As I continued to attend Aldersgate and witnessed the remarkable growth and love present here, I began to feel that calling from God.

If I had been granted the gift of music, how could I not use it to worship and connect with others?

So let me share a story closely intertwined with that journey.

During the traditional service, I noticed our livestream operator, the lovely Ellyn, was soon welcoming a new baby. It became apparent she might need a helping hand. I was not sure how many camera operators we had, so I felt the call to speak up.

It was as if the pieces of a puzzle fell into place. I remember Tim saying, “I love it when a non-plan comes together.” But I believe God had a plan here.

By operating the camera, I became a regular attendee of the contemporary service as well and began witnessing the magic of what happens in that room. I felt the call, reached out to Nikki, and without missing a beat, I became a member of the band.

DISCOVERING A NEW WAY TO WORSHIP

This journey has been beautiful for me. I have gained friendships, deepened my faith, and opened my heart to a new way of worship.

Remarkably, that stage fright I mentioned melts away when I am worshiping. It is as if God is saying, “You are using your gift for the purpose I gave it to you.”

Each of us possesses unique gifts. Some excel in the kitchen like my wonderful husband, Tyler, who helps with Hope on Wheels. Others have the gift of comforting babies, a talent I admire. And so many here are living examples of spiritual generosity.

It is important not to delay when you feel that calling. Accredited to John Wesley... “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can.”

This calling is God’s way of urging you to share your gifts for a higher purpose.

God’s plan can be mysterious. In my case, it led me to the right place, even if it was only a few feet away.

As stewards of God’s grace, every act of service, every offering, and every moment spent in worship plants a seed that, with God’s blessing, will flourish.

So let us continue to be good stewards of our gifts, serving our church and community with love, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Thank you for being a cherished part of our Aldersgate family. Your significance in our lives is truly immeasurable.

Maryn Graves