1. The yellow children's wing: It is physically impossible to walk down this bright (and we're talking stare directly into the sun bright) hallway and not smile. And when it's filled with children and parents laughing, singing, dancing and playing, my heart fills.
2. Miss Margaret: Anyone who's attended LUMC for at least a year has a Miss Margaret story. She's been teaching the pre-school Sunday School I think since the church was founded 50 years ago, and is still beloved by all the children today, especially my child. She's also famous for asking everyone she meets if they have a church home, giving the warmest greeting to newcomers, cheering louder than anyone for the Royals, and probably a million other things I don't know about. I love to look out on Sunday morning and see her great enthusiasm as she sings praise to God.
3. Jeff's Elvis impersonations: Our children's director has so many special gifts and talents, but my favorite one is the way he can make us all laugh any day of the week.
4. First Light: Our young adult group is full of life, energy, humor, a love for Christ and each other, and a desire to change the world. It excites me to see them taking on more responsibility in the church while also reaching out to others. I enjoyed every minute with them, but my favorite were spent in the variety of community service endeavors, like serving lunch at the Ronald McDonald house or working at the Johnson County Christmas Bureau.
5. Tuesday morning Pastor's Bible Study: This group of more experienced adults is full of life, energy, humor, a love for Christ and each other, and a desire to change the world. Every week which I had the privilege of leading their Bible study, they challenged me spiritually and intellectually. Plus, Bob always brought Girl Scout cookies.
6. The entire staff: No one could ask to serve with a better team. They brim with passion, creativity, compassion, perseverance, good humor, and godliness. They also treat each other with the upmost kindness and respect. I will truly miss each and every one of them.
7. Our musicians: From Garrett's guitar and Brandon's drums to Yun Hee's organ, the choir that sounds like 100 voices and the beautiful bells ( and I know there are so many more), the music at LUMC lifted me almost to heaven.
8. Church clean-up days: Yes, sometimes poison ivy got the best of some of us, but the hours we spent sweating together were pure joy. People of all ages showed up for work days, and I could see their love for the church in their dirty hands and aching muscles.
9. Gavin: Ok, I had to put this one in for Aliyah. Her first question every time we drove to the church building was, "Will Gavin be there?" (Her second question always revolved around cookies). Really, I will miss everyone and everything that made my daughter feel so welcomed and loved. She felt right at home from the very first day we came.
10. The whole congregation: I truly love this congregation. When I pray through the picture directory, I smile the whole time, because each face carries with it special memories. I will continue to pray for LUMC, that they may live into their calling from God and always remain faithful to Christ.
It's hard to stop at just 10. I will miss Leawood United Methodist Church tremendously, but I know it is in good hands. God bless.
