Martha's Voice - This Is My Home

As one of the “older people” in this church, I feel it is important to let you know a little history from my point of view. My partner, Joe, and I have been a part of this church for a long time. We have raised our family here and are still active in this place.

One of my first jobs here at the church was to teach Sunday School for 10 year old girls. I didn’t know the Old Testament from the New one at the time, but thanks to Anna Paddock, I was given an opportunity to learn. Anna needed a typist to help her create Sunday School papers for the Christian Board of Publication. So, I volunteered. This “on the job" training created my interest in the Bible. This Biblical interest still continues today as I attend the Bible Study at the church.

In 1976, two church members and I were CWF (Christian Women’s Fellowship) delegates to the Southwest Mission Conference. From this conference the three of us came up with the idea of the church’s “2 Cents” program. This program asks each church member to give 2 cents for every meal they eat, so the church can send the money to an organization that feeds the hungry. I am so happy our church continues this successful program today.

I have always loved going to our CWF retreats at Mission Springs, especially when our women have been in charge of planning the retreat. During 9/11, we faced a huge challenge at Mission Springs that changed many of us. To celebrate this special event, Larry, my son, created a green banner with “Fill My Cup, Share My Cup” that is displayed in church at different times during the year. The memory of the retreat and seeing the banner can still bring a tear to my eyes.

Though our church looks very different from the time Joe and I first came here, I am happy with our past and look forward to our future. My friend, Gracie, always told me when we left a CWF meeting, “It’s been grand!!” And it has and will be. Our church is a spiritual place that I can call my home.