Dear Chapel Hill,
The reception on Sunday was lovely; thank you! You may have heard me say that there are some people you just don’t say goodbye to! That is truly my attitude toward all of you as I depart, because you each have a place in my heart and I am taking you with me when I go.
When our family arrived in Farmers Branch on July 3, 2010, I was unhappy. I was grieving the teaching job and friends I’d left behind, and my children were sad, as well. But by fall of that year, Isaac Self and Jack (5th graders) had become friends, and Isaac began bringing Jack to Sunday school at Chapel Hill. In December, Jack attended the Christmas workshop and made friends with all of the adults who worked that event! Because of his positive experiences, I began visiting Chapel Hill. At Christmas time, the Pastor stopped by just to welcome me and drop off a poinsettia. I appreciated her non-invasive, yet genuine, personal invitation to church. I remember the sweet people in the congregation who introduced themselves and made me feel at home when I visited. I will never forget those simple acts that had long term consequences and I hope you will not forget them either! Because it is those simple acts of reaching out sincerely and embracing gently, yet enthusiastically, that will bring new members to Chapel Hill!
At the Thanksgiving Feast in 2011, there was talk of needing a new youth director. My daughter, Rachel, said to me, “Mom, why don’t YOU apply for the job?” I was totally caught off guard by her suggestion, but considered it, and soon found myself in an interview with SPR. What a surprising and interesting turn of events that was in my life. The best part about it was that it led me to become fully engaged in the life of Chapel Hill UMC. I loved working with the youth; I loved being on staff; I loved getting to work with and know all of you on so many levels. My children were embraced by the congregation and found their niches in church life through singing in choir, participating in UMYF and Confirmation, ushering, volunteering, hosting tables at women’s luncheon, and leading music for VBS. This made me overjoyed!
My favorite quality about Chapel Hill has always been the strong leadership and examples set by the older generation and their willingness to continue to be involved vibrantly in all aspects of church life, including connecting to the youth and children. Chapel Hill became my extended family. You became my grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters, brothers, mentors. I watched you celebrate golden anniversaries and baby baptisms, grieve the loss of loved ones, grit your teeth in the face of illness or pain or adversity, join together for fun and fellowship, keep traditions alive, agree to disagree, worship, serve, and give. I needed to experience that. You INSPIRED me. Each of you in your own way. Just by being you. You enacted change in me. You made me a better person. A more whole person. And I will thank God every day of my life for you.
My family will be leaving Farmers Branch four years, almost to the day, after we arrived. I am sad, but not bitter. God led me to Chapel Hill… If He loved me that much, I must trust that He has more good things in store. Life is a journey and I am so glad that I had the extreme privilege and pleasure of sharing that journey with you all for a time. You go with me in my heart, but it is also good to know that in an ever changing world, there is a place in Farmers Branch, Texas where people have remained solid and true to Christ, to each other, and to a place for 50 years. Chapel Hill is a rock and a touchstone for all of you. Keep it that way.
The youth are in a very good place right now! They have grown and matured so much. They are ready to go deeper with worship and in their relationship with Christ. They need you to be their advocates. They are teenagers…getting to know them is by nature difficult. They rarely take the initiative to connect! Please promise me you will continue to be involved with them? Volunteer, share your talents, learn their names and say hello to them in the hall! Make them stop and shake your hand and look them in the eye and tell them you are GLAD they are there. Take them under your wing. They are watching you and will follow in your footsteps of worship and service. I know you will wholeheartedly support their next leader, as well. God’s grace and peace to you all in Jesus Christ. I love you.
Always,
Heidi
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