When we stepped into Christ's Church back in 2003 (I believe), Kellea and I both knew that was the place for us. We were looking for a church home and had been attending Christian Family Chapel on Old St. Augustine. About halfway through the service, we both looked at one another and said this was it. Sr. Pastor Dennis Bratton seemed to speak directly to us in each of the services. The worship music, then led by Aaron Pelsue, was the perfect combination of familiar songs and upbeat music. The people were friendly and the programs were just phenomenal.Once we got into a small group, the final piece was in place. We got connected in ministry with me volunteering in the sports ministry and Kellea dabbling in Meals on Wheels and the photography ministry. We even both spent some time in the Suite B with the 2-year olds.
My wife emailed Dennis one day to tell him about our tithing story and he asked us to stand before the congregation and tell them our story. That was tough for me but Kellea was a pro. Public speaking is a gift for her and she is awesome at it. I was just a bystander as she told 90% of the story and it's good thing because I was a bundle of nerves. She carried the family that day!
I would go onto work at the church as the Adult Sports Director and then Kellea would eventually work for the school as the Director of Marketing and Development. Just as important for Kellea's connection to the church was her involvement with the family ministry as a small group leader for 9th grade girls.
I remember Dennis talking about how the goal should be to have the body of teh church be a major part of your daily life. That day I had no idea how that could ever fit into my life as it was that day. Now, I can't imagine not having the involvement in ever facet of our daily lives.
