Our Last Saturday at Crave

Tonight is our last Saturday at Crave. Our first Saturday at Crave was three years ago, almost to the exact date. It is hard to believe that much time has passed already.

In 2007 we had just found out that our vicarage (pastor internship year) was at Crave/Christ in the City Lutheran Church in St. Louis. It was an answer to a lot of prayer and we were excited and happy. We would be able to stay in our home, I could keep my job there in St. Louis, and because I was pregnant with Nathan at the time we wanted to avoid switching doctors. Plus, we would be able to work with a congregation that wanted to do things out of the box and with college ministry, which was right up Zach's alley. But we had no idea how much Crave would impact our ministry, marriage, and our relationship to the Lord.

I can't speak for Zach, but I know that tonight will be a difficult night for us both as we say good bye to people who have been so near and dear to us. I recieved so much love and support through the difficult months after Nathan was born, I don't know how I would have gotten through it without Crave folks! I have been a part of a wonderful small group as well as welcomed whenever I could make it to the Acts 64 ministy. I even got to learn the ins and outs of a coffee shop by working there for about 8 months in 2009. I have also had the opportunity to develop good friendships with some wonderful college girls who have spent more hours in our home watching Nathan than I could count. I credit them for my sanity!

Crave has been and will always be a special place for Nathan. Crave has been Nathan's church his entire life. We first took him to Crave when he was two weeks old! The members of Crave have gotten to watch Nathan grow up over these past two and a half years, and have endured all kinds of noises (good and bad) and activity during church. Thanks for your patience`

At Crave everyone looks out for him. If I get caught up in chatting with someone before or after church, I always know Nathan is just an arm's reach away from a protective or loving person, no matter where he is. The girls working behind the coffee bar have gotten very good at pulling espresso shots with a two-year old underfoot!

We have witnessed firsthand a group of people dedicated to service and sharing the gospel. We will value and cherish the lessons we have learned about the importance of making a penny stretch, seeing potential and gifts in every person, and selflessly giving for the sake of the gospel.

Because of vaious circumstances, we were able to stay at Crave not one, not two, but three years. What a blessing! God had much for us to do and much to teach us through those three years and we couldn't be more grateful for the extra time we got to spend with all of you!

Thank you and God's sweet blessings to each and every one of you!

(One more thing I will GREATLY miss: I have gone to church on Saturday nights at 5:30 pm for three years now, so I may be in for a shock when I have to get up Sunday mornings again!)