Why We’re Grateful: St. John’s Member Kelly Parman

Thoughts about St. John’s, gratefully offered today by Kelly Parman:

What were you looking for when you came to St. John’s?

My fiancé and I were looking for a church home for our family. We were in college at the time, and hoped to find new friends, as well as Christian education for our young daughter.

What is your first memory of feeling like St. John’s was your home?

There was something Bill Hambright (former organist and choirmaster) did…..I can’t remember what he did or said; it was the way he made us feel.

What do you appreciate most about the ministry of St. John’s?

I appreciate the hospitality and support our church family shows to each other. I’ve seen this again and again when someone needs meals, rides, or a shoulder for support. Being a part of this way of serving, in turn, makes me look for ways to support my church family.

Where did you learn generosity?

Generosity, as in giving? Sharing? Being thoughtful? Being helpful? It’s a thing that’s always been there as long as I can remember. I’m not sure it was something I learned, actually, rather something I do, something I am.

But I did learn a kind of generosity: Giving anonymously. To me, this is the most meaningful way to give. It is giving humbly, giving for the act of giving, for the act of generosity. In this way, generosity is the focal point, not the giver.

What is your greatest hope for St. John’s and the next generation that calls it their home?

I pray this generation has the endurance to continue to live God’s word through each of us, so the next generation is able to continue living God’s word through Christ. My hope this Church remains the place of not only worship, but even more fellowship, and even more learning.