1871 Volume 1 Issue 6 by 1871

Note from the Editor

nother spring has come and gone – and as I say every year, I can’t believe it is summer again. While some people dread the 90 to 100-degree days we get here in DFW, there’s something about them that just relaxes me! Maybe it’s that mental switch I felt during the seasons of going through school, or the longer hours of sunlight, but I’m a big fan of summer. I’m also a big fan of issue six! In this issue, we have compiled a list of community events you and your family can try out over the summer vacation (complete with air-conditioned and outdoor options), a summary of the amazing Holy Week and Easter season, and a few articles celebrating big life changes and the joy in those changes! Each issue this team puts together, I always think it’s the best yet. I believe that’s one of the best things about working as a team with the vision of always getting better – you fall in love with the result more and more every time. We pray that you and your family will be encouraged and empowered by the stories to follow. This summer, we encourage you to have fun and maybe even find new ways to combine that fun with a way to give back to the community we have around us. These stories have touched my heart, and reminded me of the ways that we are infinitely blessed by God – maybe they will give someone else that hope and joy as well. While these are stories of White’s Chapel, they are stories of your church family! Feel free to share this magazine with everyone you love: your family, neighbors, coworkers, or whoever else God places on your heart to share it with. Stay cool and enjoy the summer! As always, we would love to hear from you if you’ve experienced God in a powerful way or have a story to share. Reach out to me any time!

Emily Keller 1871 Editor

The Making of SPELL Chapel By Cassidy Williams

The Making of SPELL Chapel

he sun barely peeks through the branches of the trees, highlighting every shade of green in the leaves that frame the altar. This is a special place - a place for reflection, a place for worship and a place to gather with other believers. This stunning outdoor chapel provides a serenity that is unlike any other place on campus.

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Beautifully handcrafted elements are in every detail. The wooden archway, the stone benches, and the wooden crosses are just some of the features that make the chapel so unique. The details are so well thought out, it’s almost hard to believe three teenagers, from three different high schools, created the vision for this area themselves.

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When you have a goal… write it down in permanent ink because, as you continue in that goal,

it’s importance will become less and less. You’re going to want to take the easy route but, if you have it written down somewhere in permanent ink, you can go back and look at it to see what your original goal was and make sure you get to that point and reach it, no matter what. - Matthew Sidener

The three young men, from Boy Scout Troop 928, had been through many different adventures and challenges together over the last six years. During this time, White’s Chapel supported the troop as its charter organization, through every endeavor and scout meeting. When thinking about this new project, the scouts wanted to give back to the church and community, while utilizing the skills that they had learned. With the help of talented local craftsmen, troop members, community members, and their scoutmaster, each of the three scouts sought out to create something spectacular for their individual Eagle Scout service projects, an opportunity for a scout to become an Eagle Scout by completing a project to better the community. Together, Matthew Sidener, Gage Bogdos and Cole Ragsdale, and their scoutmaster, Mr. Michael Sidener, created a vision for an outdoor chapel. The original plan focused on a wooden chapel design. The scouts believed that they could build the wooden altar and wooden podium and then, in the future, another Eagle Scout project could focus on a detailed pathway, a cross and a back stone wall. After presenting the idea to the district, the troop and the White’s Chapel Board of Trustees, the plan for the chapel morphed into something greater. One of the trustees encouraged the scouts to complete their whole vision and create everything they wanted to feature in the overall design concept. With the support of the trustee, as well as other valuable volunteers, the scouts went ahead with their new construction plan. “They came and did a presentation to the trustees and it was beautiful,” said Rev. Sterling Smith, Pastor for Evangelism and Involvement, as well as a fellow Eagle Scout. “The trustees were so impressed, not only with the project but with these guys’ sincerity and just good nature and a beautiful project - they really wanted to make something special.” 4

The scouts began planning their projects in Feb. 2018 and began construction in June. Each scout was responsible for specific aspects of the chapel design, in order to complete their individual Eagle Scout project. Ragsdale cleared the land and led the project to build eight stone benches. Sidener built the two wooden crosses, mulched and oversaw the construction of: the back wall, stone walkway, two benches, the altar, pastoral bench, podium. Bogos built the fence, entryway columns, the large wooden uprights and arch. “The large wooden cross behind the altar was the first item built and installed in the chapel,” Mr. Sidener said. “This was no accident. The three scouts wanted the cross to be there, overlooking the project as soon as possible.” While the three project leads had a great plan of action, there were still a few challenges that the scouts faced while they were working. There were changes made to the chapel design as they constructed, two months of rain delay that postponed their progress and the process to get permits took longer than anticipated. “There were challenges along the way,” said Smith. “Part of the growing process for these guys was learning how to work through these challenges.”

Materials - 40 ten-foot rods (3/4 of an inch) used - 400 ft of rebar - 30 tons of stone - many pounds of concrete, sand, and mortar - 5 pallets of 40-pound concrete cinder blocks

After about 14 months, the chapel was finished. Altogether, about 1,300 hours of work were spent on the three Eagle Scout projects. “Really what we wanted was a project that we could, in 20 years, bring our kids back to,” Ragsdale said. “We had this dream because we really wanted people to be able to come and pray and do the Stations of Light… It’s something that is going to impact people’s lives, and that’s what we wanted, but it was really hard to actually see and picture that until we were finally finished.” With the help of White’s Chapel leaders, a name was given to the outdoor chapel. The name SPELL Chapel was chosen to recognize and honor Rev. Betsy Godbold, whose maiden name is SPELL. For many years, Godbold has been an important leader in the church, encouraging people to be diligent in their spiritual practices. SPELL, while being Godbold’s maiden name, has also become a well-used acronym at the church for Spiritual Practices Embracing Light and Love.

Godbold has organized many events dedicated to these spiritual practices. One of the most wellknown events is the SPELL Symposium, a series of teachings that continues from year to year. “A church is a home,” Ragsdale said, thoughtfully, about the impact of the new SPELL Chapel. “As someone whose faith means a lot to them, being able to give to the church and give something that’s going to allow other people to use it for their faith… it’s something that you can’t attribute any monetary value to because it’s something that’s on a different level of consciousness. It contributes to faith and you can’t pay anything for that. It’s something that is really cool to see people, or hear about people, that come by.” Since the completion of the chapel on April 7, Ragsdale has presented his project to the Boy Scouts of America and has been recognized as an Eagle Scout. The other scouts, Sidener and Bogdos, are currently recognized as Life Scouts & Eagle candidates. They will present each of their Eagle Scout projects in the near future. While they are still waiting for the process to officially come to a close, they have reflected on their own work and are pleased with all they have accomplished. Their five months of planning and nine months of hard work were well worth it.

“It was amazing to know that we did this individually, but also as a team - I was just blown away,” Bogdos said. “We had waited for about nine months thinking, ‘it’s got to get done. It’s got to get done,’ and then the dream is just here - right in front of us. We had been working toward this for nine months.” The scoutmaster, Mr. Sidener, is very proud of the scouts for completing three Eagle Scout projects and working diligently on the chapel. “As scoutmaster of these three scouts, it makes all the volunteer hours, trials and tribulations of leading a troop, and long nights and weekends camping, all worth it when you see young men do something this impressive,” Mr. Sidener said. “Many people in the world today believe our youth are headed down the wrong paths, making bad choices, and act as if they are entitled to everything. These three young men prove every nay-sayer wrong. They wanted to do something meaningful that would benefit everyone. They also wanted to do something for White’s Chapel to thank them for supporting them and their troop over their scouting career.” With their own time, money and knowledge, three young men were able to accomplish something bigger than themselves. A little plaque, added to the bottom left side of the archway, honors them for their dedication to this project.

It reads, “The faithful dedication and determination of three Eagle Scouts in the Boy Scouts of America made this chapel possible.” It lists the names of the scouts and continues with, “their goal was to provide a place for the community to worship God in the great outdoors.” Their vision and hard work will be remembered for many years to come.

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On behalf of White’s Chapel UMC - thank you!

“The scouts would like to thank everyone for all their help and support during this year-long project. They would especially like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Barnes for their donation, Kosse Maykus and Maykus Homes for the mentoring, overseeing the safety of the design and construction, and

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his donations, and also thank their parents for helping support the project. Without

their help, this project would not have been possible.” - Michael Sidener Scoutmaster, Troop 928

Below is a picture of some of the talented volunteers that helped the three project leads create the outdoor chapel. Many of them were also Boy Scouts.

Modern-Day Miracle

his is difficult to write. I have been putting it off for almost two years. I have run through a long list of excuses for procrastinating, but I am ultimately just afraid. I am a private person, and writing means that my heart, which I fervently guard, will be on display. I am afraid that people will not like what they see. But I must write. I believe that an experience like mine should be shared. And to be frank, it feels like the universe will not let me rest until I do. So, here goes. In April 2017, my otherwise healthy four-year-old son, Will, was very unexpectedly diagnosed with an ultra-rare disease that, in what seems like an instant, almost took his life—atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). Words cannot describe the excruciating road that led to Will’s diagnosis. But if I had to pick one, it would be agony. It came out of nowhere. On Wednesday, April 5, Will told me that his legs hurt. Like any reasonable parent, I turned to Dr. Google, who convinced me that Will had either growing pains or leukemia. The next day, I took Will to a local urgent-care facility and Cook Children’s emergency room in Fort Worth. Lab work revealed that Will’s muscleenzyme level was slightly elevated, but physicians at both facilities sent us home. They told us that Will most likely had viral myositis—muscle inflammation caused by an underlying virus. My husband, Joe, and I were told that Will’s symptoms would likely worsen before they improved, and we were instructed to follow up with our pediatrician. On Monday, April 10, I took Will to our pediatrician, who told me that it is not uncommon for a virus to last up to 10 days. Don’t panic. If he’s not improving in a week or so, come back. Will did not improve. Nothing dramatic, but he was becoming more lethargic and started to develop a strange rash on 9

his face and neck. He was still eating and sleeping. No fever. On Monday, April 17, we went back to the pediatrician for more lab work. On April 19, I got the call; Will’s muscle-enzyme level had skyrocketed. The pediatrician gave me two options: (1) schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist, or (2) take Will to the emergency room. I chose the latter, and Will was admitted to the hospital that afternoon. For the next three days, there were no dramatic changes, but it was becoming increasingly difficult for Will to walk and lift his own body weight. The nurses drew his blood every six hours to monitor any changes. His numbers began to fluctuate slightly, but the doctors did not seem alarmed. And we saw a slew of doctors— rheumatologists, nephrologists, oncologists, hematologists, dermatologists, infectious-disease doctors, and neurologists. They were all scratching their heads. Will’s symptoms were not fitting neatly into any one medical-specialty box. Then, in the early morning hours of April 22, Will took a sudden and very dramatic turn for the worse. His kidneys and muscles began shutting down rapidly. I will spare you the gory details, but it was horrific. My son looked like a ghost—an image that will forever haunt me. That’s when I lost control. I became unhinged and indicted the entire nursing staff of ignoring my dying son. Shortly thereafter, Will was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). When physician rounds began that morning, Will’s nephrologist darted into the PICU and made the urgent maybe diagnosis of aHUS. Will’s sudden and rapid decline was characteristic of the disease’s process. Joe and I, along with my brother, who conveniently happens to be a brilliant hematologist/ oncologist, agreed with the doctor’s decision to treat Will with Soliris and begin peritoneal dialysis. Will could not afford for us to not try something. And miraculously, there happened to be one dose of Soliris in the hospital. Will now had a lifeline; at least we hoped so. The onslaught of physical and surgical invasions 10

came next—CT scan, ultrasounds, blood transfusions, muscle biopsies, kidney biopsy, bonemarrow biopsy, skin biopsy, PICC line and dialysiscatheter placements, peritoneal and hemodialysis treatments—all followed by intermittent lab work. It was pure hell. And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, it did. For the next couple of weeks, we rode a wickedly emotional roller-coaster ride of dialysis treatments and fluctuating lab results. Will’s numbers improved then worsened. Up and down. Up and down. Up and down. The next thing I knew, Will and I were flying on a private medical jet to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Ohio (CCH). Will was not fully responding to Soliris as expected or hoped. The folks in Fort Worth weren’t sure what to do next.

At the time of Will’s diagnosis, CCH had the only lab in the United States capable of measuring the level of Soliris in the bloodstream at any given time. This tool allowed CCH physicians to, in essence, personalize the correct dose of Soliris for Will. It turns out that Will needed more Soliris with greater frequency than otherwise specified by the drug label: at least

to quash the initial surge of complement activity. Fast forward to present day. Will and I spent a cumulative 56 days in Texas and Ohio children’s hospitals. We have been home for just under two years. Will has a port in the upper right side of his chest. He receives an hour-long Soliris infusion every two weeks at Dallas Children’s Hospital. He also takes a daily prophylactic antibiotic, iron supplement, and blood-pressure medication. Dr. Keri Drake manages Will’s health. She is a fabulous pediatric nephrologist who was heavily involved with Will’s treatment in Cincinnati. She conveniently transferred to Dallas Children’s three weeks after Will and I returned home. She has been an amazing advocate for Will, and she has guided Joe and I through his diagnosis very thoughtfully and patiently. I have since returned to the practice of law on a part-time basis. I am enjoying the energy and sense of productivity that work adds to my life, and it provides me with a healthy distraction. Will now runs like the wind and is more vivacious than before. He enjoys playing baseball, basketball, football, and golf. He aspires to be a brain surgeon or football coach. He is wrapping up a fun Kindergarten year at Walnut Grove Elementary where he is thriving academically and socially. During the most acute phase of his injury, Will had 12% kidney function. His kidneys are now functioning at 100%. He is a legitimate walking miracle. When I allow my heart to travel back in time and relive this journey, I realize that I have experienced some of the worst and best moments that mortal life has to offer. Not only have I watched my son’s body and spirit slowly deteriorate short of death, but I have also watched him slowly regain his strength and soar. I have experienced moments of paralyzing fear and despair. But I have also experienced love and joy in the purest forms. There has been one constant in both extremes—God.

The Bible tells us that the Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). I believe that I experienced the

truth of this scripture firsthand, and I would like to share how. I owe it to my church family members at White’s Chapel UMC and FUMC Corpus Christi and everyone beyond - all of whom lit up heaven with a bonfire of prayers for Will and my family. And I owe it to my God, who, in His love and mercy, gave me the gift of more time with my son.

The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit

Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

When Will was transferred to the PICU, it quickly became clear to me that there were three potential outcomes. I could lose him. He could sustain irreparable organ damage and live with various disabilities. Or he could get better. No matter the outcome, I knew that the journey to it would be my life’s most difficult trial thus far. How were we going to get through this? I had to make a decision about God. How exactly does He fit into this equation? I was at a proverbial fork in the road of my life’s faith journey, which has been arduous and tumultuous at times. Do I denounce and blame Him for orchestrating this crisis? Or do I cling to the faith that I have professed since I was a young girl? Do I run away from or toward Him? The grace of God led me to choose the latter. I made the decision that I would choose to believe that God is loving and good, that He has the power to heal—no matter the outcome. How I chose to respond to this crisis was truly the only thing that I could control, and it would set the tone for Will and my family going forward. I decided that I would not let anger have a seat at my heart’s table. I have witnessed the viral effects of anger, and I refused to let it infect my 11

heart and the PICU, where Will was listening and watching my every move. Will needed me to be strong. So I had to be—at least when he was watching. In many ways, my decision was pragmatic. If God is real and who He says He is, why would I shun Him? My son needed help, and it was logical to have God in my corner. So I ran to God in the best way I knew how. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, I would escape to the quiet pews of the hospital chapels. And I would crumble. I would lie down on a pew and weep. To the best of my ability, I would try to mentally surrender. I would close my eyes and picture myself literally lifting Will up to God, so that He could carry him and the weight of our circumstances for just a little while. Those moments allowed me to rest and restore my heart and mind for the next hit that would inevitably come. The chapels truly became my refuge—a place where I could escape medical noises, science, probabilities, and people. It is there where God comforted

me in a way that the world could not. He did not take away my pain or answer my prayers in the way that I wanted, but He was in the foxhole with me. At times, it felt like God was placing a blanket over my heart. A gentle warmth would envelop my chest and calm me down for a brief moment. Then I would head back to the hospital room with a little more strength—not a lot, but just enough. I also cracked open the Bible. I knew that it contained stories of desperate parents begging Jesus to heal their children. I just had to find them. Maybe these stories could offer me a breadcrumb of hope. If the God of the universe could heal people over 2,000 years ago, maybe, just maybe, He could now. I landed on the story of Jesus healing Jarius’s daughter. ‘When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jarius, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jarius, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around.’ Mark 5:21-43 (NIV) Jarius’s story became my own. And Jesus’

instruction to not be afraid and just believe became my mantra. Whenever Joe and I received bad news, I would compulsively repeat His words in my mind. Don’t be afraid. Just believe. It made no sense. I was terrified. But I repeated them anyway and pleaded with God to, “help me overcome my unbelief.” Visit Mark 9:14-29 (another healing story about a father begging Jesus to heal his epileptic son). I also clung to the mustard seed parable where Jesus explained to His disciples that faith the size of a mustard seed has the power to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). It’s my understanding that a mustard seed is tiny. Surely I had that much faith, right? But this was Mount Everest. I did truly believe that God was able to heal Will. The most difficult part was accepting that it might not be His will to do so. Things weren’t looking good, and it made sense to me that God would call Will home. The Bible tells us that God works throughout our lives to transform us into His image (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). For those of you who don’t know Will, he is pure gold. Since a very early age, he has exhibited the fruits of the Holy Spirit, particularly goodness, kindness, gentleness, and selfcontrol (Galatians 5:22). Perhaps Will didn’t need a long life to get there. But was it possible for me to believe Will out of this snare? Could my teeny-tiny faith in God possibly influence His will? I will never know, and it’s probably blasphemous to even have that thought out loud. But I had to at least try for Will’s sake. So I tried as hard as I could to believe that God would heed my prayer to not take Will from me. I had good days and bad days. Sometimes I fervently prayed with words. At other times, I just let my brokenness speak for itself.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) This scripture is the Gospel—the crux of the Christian faith. Although I do not fully understand it, I accepted its truth in my early youth. But it has always been easier for me to understand it in my mind. Humanity just couldn’t get it right, so, out of frustration, God fixed it for us. That makes sense. God’s a fixer. But I have always longed to understand and feel the gospel more fully in my heart. Well, I got my wish. I will never forget it. Will had just been wheeled back to his room after surgery. I was exhausted, perhaps at my lowest point. It was quiet. Will was sleeping peacefully. Looking down at him, I was struck and overwhelmed by all of the bandages, tubes, and bruises that covered his sweet little body. My heart was completely shattered. My mind turned to Christ. Literally. Will looked like he had been crucified, just not on a cross. His abdomen had been pierced to accommodate peritoneal dialysis treatments and his wrists had holes in them from all of the lab work. A wave of emotion enveloped me, and for the first time, I felt like I could connect to God on a personal level. We have both watched our perfect sons suffer. Perhaps we have shared some of the same pain, the same love. The Holy Spirit was speaking to me in a language that I could understand. And just as I would have readily traded places with Will, I began to understand in my heart why Christ did so for me. Not out of frustration or obligation, but out of love; and not because of my human performance. In all of my begging and pleading, did 13

I ever ask God to spare Will because he’s a good kid or behaves a certain way? Of course not. I wanted God to spare Will simply because he is Will; he is mine. The idea of being separated from him was too much to bear. Perhaps God feels the same way about you and me. This message of love could not have come at a more pivotal time in my life. When I was a young girl, my loving father continually doted on me. He always told me that I was beautiful and smart—that I could achieve anything. My brain mistakenly began to equate looks and achievement with worth. As I approach 40, I recognize that I have put too much stock in such things. My outer shell is beginning to crack, and it’s possible that I will not climb to a higher rung on my professional ladder. So, who am I without a youthful appearance and accolades? This experience has shown me: I am a beloved child of God—not because I have done anything well, but simply because I am His. I belong to Him. And my heart, although broken and imperfect, has a tremendous capacity to love; and that is where my true worth stems from. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose Romans 8:28 (NIV) Okay, so now what? Will is thriving and life has somewhat normalized. I have had a spiritual awakening of sorts. Has everyday life changed dramatically? No. Am I now the perfect wife and mother? Absolutely not. But it feels like I have a new set of glasses. You know that feeling? When you first put them on, you recognize all that you were not able to clearly see beforehand. My heart is still very raw and delicate. But it loves harder now. And it seems to notice and respond to the little things a bit more—a tight hug from one of my kids; laughter; watching Will use those sweet little legs at a baseball game; watching Anna dive for a volleyball; a gorgeous day; a good cup of coffee; finishing a project at work; a bubble bath. I guess 14

you could say that practicing gratitude comes more easily now. But I still get grouchy and overwhelmed by the world and its silly demands. I am just a little bit better at telling myself to flip the switch when I feel that way. And I am better at ignoring my laundry piles and messy house. Don’t get me wrong, the mess still drives me nuts. But if my kids invite me to play, I pick them over laundry—not every time, but more often than I did before. When I die, I cannot take my laundry with me; praise God for that! But the time that I invest with my kids will hopefully keep living in them long after I am gone. I have also learned to compartmentalize my worry. When your child is diagnosed with a rare disease, it is impossible not to worry. But I have learned to walk through each day like a horse with blinders. What is on my trail today? I wake up and evaluate my kids. I give Will his medicine. Do they have a fever? Are they acting normal? If so, press on to school and work, and try to enjoy it. If not, call Dr. Drake and go from there. These are the things that I can control. If I allow myself to anticipate and prepare for the unknown that lies on tomorrow’s trail, I will not only go crazy, but I will miss what today is offering. I’m pretty sure that when I die, I will not wish that I had worried more. I imagine that I will wish that I had soaked up yesterday. So that is what I am trying hard to do. Overall, I guess you could say that this experience has sharpened my spiritual tools a bit. As a result, I feel like I have more of a glimpse of what it might mean to have an abundant life. German philosopher Friedrich Niestzsch once said, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” I have found my meaning. We now know why Will’s diagnosis was so difficult for physicians to make. At the time, there had never been a published medical report in the United States that described muscle-tissue breakdown as an initial symptom of aHUS. That’s not the case now. In October 2018, Will’s case was presented at

the American Society for Nephrology Conference in San Diego. Although it is quite technical, the report provides two big takeaways. Not only does it describe Will’s unique symptoms, but it also tells physicians to not give up. If the Soliris dosing schedule doesn’t work immediately, you can adjust it using pharmacokinetics. Not all aHUS patients are created equally. Keep trying. In my mind, Will is now a beacon of hope for the aHUS community. Physicians all over the world have access to his medical data. I have no doubt that Will’s experience will not only provide hope to families enduring the initial horror of an aHUS diagnosis, but possibly save lives. At the ripe old age of six, Will has already started changing the world. And if you know him, that’s just the kind of guy he is—always willing to take one for the team. So, what about Will? Where does he go from here? There are still a lot of unknowns surrounding his diagnosis. Nobody can tell us what viral or infectious process triggered his complement system or if this will happen again. We have had our DNA sequenced and every genetic test that would be telling. He does not have any known genetic mutation that would predispose him to aHUS. At this time, there is simply no medical explanation for why this happened. But he is doing amazingly well on Soliris. Since returning home, he has had an ear infection and a couple of colds, but he has recovered quickly from them. As long as we remain diligent and hopeful, there is no reason to believe that he will not continue to do well and lead an otherwise normal life. Thank God for modern medicine! I cannot close without commending some very special people. To my extended family, dear friends, and prayer warriors—thank you for taking care of everything else when I could not. You prayed when I ran out of words. You made me eat. You brought me coffee. You cried with and hugged me. You were a stand-in mom for Anna. Your collective efforts allowed me to give 100 percent of myself to Will. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 15

To the nurses and physicians at Cook Children’s Hospital and CCH—you are angels. Thank you for all of the time, brain power, and energy that you poured into Will. You saved a beautiful life.

foster it, hope in heaven and the eternal love of God has the power to squelch fear. And we all know that life can be scary.

To Joe—God could not have designed a more perfect father for Anna and Will. Your condition has never stopped you from reaching for and achieving your goals. It has never been a crutch on which you lean. Your eternal optimism is what I love most about you, and it makes you the perfect role model for Will as he navigates life with aHUS. You are my best friend, and I am so proud of how we have responded to, and managed, this obstacle. Thank you for taking turns being both weak and strong with me. To my darling Anna—your light-hearted and playful spirit brought so much light to me during a very dark time. I believe that you motivated and encouraged Will to keep fighting. I’m sorry that I was not by your side to help you navigate such a scary time. But I am here now, and know that I would drop everything in an instant for you. To my precious son, Will—you have the purest heart I know. I will always treasure the time that we spent together. Although it was painful and difficult, it was holy. As long as I live, I will do everything in my power to support you and help you navigate life with aHUS. You will never be alone. And to my God—thank you for loving me through what seemed to be an impossible feat. Thank you for giving me more time with Will; I vow to treasure every instant that I have with him. I look forward to the day when I can run into your arms and thank you face to face.

I have often wondered if I would be able to write this had the outcome been different. To be honest, I don’t know. But that is not my cross to bear. This is my truth right now, and I will not allow myself to darken it by worrying about something that may never happen. That is not the legacy that I want to leave Anna and Will. I want them to always choose hope. It’s not easy, but I have learned that if you

And when it’s all said and done, if I am wrong about God, I will have lost nothing. I still would have lived and enjoyed an abundant life full of hope. If I am condemned to hell for my earthly performance, I suspect that I will have a lot of good company. If there is no hell, and everything just ends, then I will never know the difference. But what if I am right? Think of all that I will gain; not only an abundant earthly life, but eternal life with my maker and loved ones in a bright beautiful place where there is no death, suffering, or fear. Sign me up for that! There is always inherent risk in accepting the unknown consequences of an investment. Investing your heart in God and believing that He loves you just because you are you is far from easy, but I submit to you that the potential return on your investment is well worth the risk. I will sign off with Will’s testimony. About a month after we returned home from Ohio, Will told me and Joe that he saw God—once in Cincinnati and once on the drive home from a Dallas Cowboy football game. He described God as light, wearing white, and having brown hair and wings. According to Will, God told him, “If you go home or pass away, you will be fine.” And he is fine. He’s better than fine. Will is a modernday miracle. Nobody can convince me otherwise.

f you’ve ever seen or experienced a soldier’s homecoming, you know how emotional it can be. There are typically many tears and long-lasting hugs. In the last several years, people have recorded soldiers’ homecomings to document these raw, emotional and life-changing moments. Many of the soldiers in the videos hadn’t seen their loved ones in months. The love and support that their friends, family members and even pets show in these moments of reunited bliss are incredibly heartwarming. This month, we would like to recognize the courageous individuals within the U.S. Armed Forces that have served our country, as well as their families. Because of their selfless sacrifice, we are able to live and worship our God freely.

Susan Tanner, a long-standing member of White’s Chapel, has continued to support the troops since she was young. She grew up with a father, who was in the Air Force for about 21 years. Because she lived with her family on a military base, she understands the life of a soldier and the impact service has on their family members. Family and community is important but not everyone has access to a strong support system. Tanner understood this and wanted to provide some sense of support to those that need it most. “I grew up moving from place to place and seeing some of the hardships my parents went through,” Tanner said. “They had five girls so, we were a big family… but when you live on bases, you just get this sense of family and that never goes away. When you hear that some of your family is needing things, you just kind of want to do things to help.”

“I have sent everything you can imagine,” she said. “Bobby pins, socks, underwear, feminine hygiene stuff - they really like name brand stuff and you can’t find it everywhere… just stuff that we take for granted. Like right now, the big demand is protein and healthy snacks. People tend to send them candy and cookies and stuff like Know a soldier in the that. When they’re armed forces? out in the field, and they can’t reach a cafeteria, they like to Give Susan Tanner their name to send have something in their them a little encouragement! pocket that they can just setntx@verizon.net pull out to give them some fast protein and vitamins.”

In 2000, Tanner began sending books to individuals within the military program called, “operation paperback.” After 9/11, she focused on giving the soldiers more than books by giving them necessities. In 2003, she furthered her efforts by sending boxes of multiple different items (such as socks, snacks, magazines, etc.) through anysoldier. com. The site provided information on specific units/people that were in need of support. Since then, she has continued packaging boxes and sending letters to men and women in the armed forces. Over the years, she has touched the lives of hundreds of people with her thoughtful mission. Tanner sends about 300 soldier boxes a year going to all of the different branches of the military 18

stationed all around the world. She communicates with military chaplains and checks online sources to provide items for individuals that don’t typically receive items from home. She has also sent multiple letters and drawings to individuals stationed in Italy, Korea, Japan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, the Philippines, Turkey, Africa, and the U.S.

She has partnered with multiple church/community groups to write letters, or collect and package boxes. Tanner continues to partner with WC Kids during VBS each year, to collect cards and drawings. According to her, they are some of the troops’ favorite items to receive. “We always do the cards for VBS, even in VBX, we do the soldier cards,” Denise Bennett, Director of Children’s Events said. “When we do the cards, we also talk to the kids about saying something uplifting… and we actually get cards back from the soldiers. Usually, at least one a year sends us back a card saying how much they appreciated it.”

Know your month!

May 1

May 5-11

May 10

Silver Star Service Banner Day A day to recognize and celebrate veterans

Public Service Recognition Week A week to honor the people in and raise awareness of public service

Military Spouse Appreciation Day A day to honor the strongest support system of our nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heroes

May 12

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

May 18

Armed Forces Day

May 27

A day to honor and thank our mothers

A day to celebrate all the forces of the military

Memorial Day A national day to remember and honor those that have fallen protecting our country

Want to get the family involved in a project for Memorial Day? Write them a letter or draw them a picture!

Tanner has also partnered with our Classic Adult Fellowship, the Aggie Moms club (group of moms of aggie students), Angels’ Attic, the Single Adult Ministry, the women of Wonderful Wednesdays, FaithWorks Missions & Outreach, and Evangelism for some of WC’s community outreach events (Kellerfest, Oktoberfest and Stars and Stripes). A few years ago, the church helped pack about 400 boxes at a church packing event. “I would go to meetings and talk about these kids that were over there and have no family supporting them and I would start crying because it’s very sad to be somewhere like that,

thousands of miles away from home and not have any support from their family,” Tanner said. “A lot of them joined out of patriotism or also financial necessity, so some of their families couldn’t support them.” Dorothea Christ, Assistant Director for Evangelism Programming, has worked with Tanner to get more kids involved with this ministry. At every major community event the church attends, Christ provides a small table area for kids to draw a picture or write a letter to a soldier. She also asks the kids to put their first name and their age on the picture. Once the event is over, Christ gives the letters to Tanner to mail to the soldiers.

“It’s wonderful because the kids want to do it because we make it fun,” Christ said. “We start off telling them about our soldier ministry and how they love getting cards from the kids and it’s been great. I think it’s just really fun and it’s a great way to give back… it’s nice to see our military getting that support.” In the future, Tanner hopes to reach more people within the military. Because she knows the impact of military life is so large, she hopes church members will also provide names of soldiers to contact and support. “I started the ministry, mainly, to benefit church members,” Tanner said. “I started using anysoldier, but I wanted it to be used by church members, whose kids or grandkids are deployed… I’ve gotten a lot of really nice letters over the years. I always try to tell people that it’s not just me. All these people at the church, the Aggie Moms - we’re all praying for them, we’re all supporting them. It’s not just me. I don’t want it to just be me doing this and that’s why I like to get all these groups together and pack.” Tanner is a great example of how to support others in faith and action. As we continue in this month, let us recognize the important role our soldiers and veterans play in our lives as well. Recognizing those in the armed forces is so much more than wishing them a happy homecoming - not everyone that serves in the military may get one. It’s about honoring the men and women during and after their and their families’ service and sacrifice. Maybe this month, write a thank-you card to a soldier or veteran, hug your loved ones a little tighter, and thank God for all that he has given and promised us - the ultimate homecoming celebration. To get involved with this ministry by writing a letter or by requesting support for a soldier, please contact Susan Tanner at setntx@verizon.net. 21

Seniors By Emily Keller

oing off to college is a huge life change – and often, if you don’t have the right foundations in place, this new season can cause compromise, behavior changes and more. For five students, they have been a part of the WC Students family for at least six years – and for some, their whole lives. This community has been an integral part of cementing their faith in Jesus and setting them up for success in their upcoming transition.

Desi West, a senior at Carroll Senior High School, gives major credit to WC Students for where his faith is today. “I would say WC Students is entirely responsible for my faith. My sister started going here, and that’s kind of what got me to come here. So all of WC Students is the reason my sister and I found our faith – and even what brought my parents to religion. We all got baptized together when I was in seventh grade. It was a really cool experience to bring my whole family to the church.”

Each year, our congregation gathers together to celebrate the senior students and pray a blessing over them for the path they will take following high school. Our Senior Sunday is on May 26 this year, a memorable service featuring all graduating seniors and photos reflecting both childhood and today! “We are so proud of these students, they have set such an example for how we want students to mature in our neighborhood,” shared Floyd Joseph, Co-Director of WC Students. For these five students, they have called WC Students home since seventh grade. 22

While it’s common for kids to follow their parents to church and not feeling much ownership of their faith and church home, for these kids that wasn’t the case at all. Each one speaks of what can be an awkward transition into seventh grade, and the comfort and consistency that WC Students

fostered in their life. During that time, it can be hard to prioritize your faith – or step outside your comfort zone. “Especially for middle schoolers, and even high schoolers, [they] are very afraid of ‘not being cool.’ They are afraid that they can’t do it alone – or can’t go unless their friends are going. I see it a lot in my little brother and his friends in eighth grade. They’re incentivized to come by the fun things – but end up staying and getting so much out of the faith portion that’s offered along with that. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and just go, and be present and see what it’s like,” encouraged Jacqueline Hall, senior at Carroll Senior High School.

And this idea of community continues to trickle down the generations that walk through the doors of WC Students. Michelle shared, “One of the things that has stood out to me is the way this class has invested in younger students. Many of the seniors have become mentors for middle school students. They became small group leaders at Crave, but they did not limit their influence to this weekly gathering. Many of the seniors on this leadership team met with their students outside of Crave. They took them out for meals and ice cream. They led bible studies. They invested relationally in students. This class had many students who were impacted by older students who invested in them and have used their time in high school to invest in younger students.”

Our student ministry is very different from what others might experience in other communities – and it is all completely intentional. Codirectors Floyd and Michelle Joseph are committed to being authentic and genuine with their students and teaching them the Gospel – and that community is a priority. They not only teach community, they exemplify what that means to WC Students.

For these seniors, community is a priority for them as they move into this next season of life. When transitioning into college, the ability to choose your group – as well as choose your decisions, can be freeing. But, WC Students has equipped these students with the knowledge of what good, accountable community looks like to help keep them on a path that glorifies God.

For Stacy Rowley, a senior at Grapevine High School, she knows she can count on the staff and the other people in WC Students any time. “The church helps in connecting us to people that are struggling too. And it’s so helpful to have that community – that we have community where it makes you feel not as alone. For me when I’m struggling with something, I just want to isolate. It’s cool to be able to talk like Michelle or Floyd, or Shelby or Laura or Josh, and they completely understand and share encouragement.”

“I feel like we’re going into college very equipped and prepared for battle – like with the sword of the Spirit,” said Kate Feighner, senior at Grapevine High School. “Knowing my non-negotiables before going to college is really important. And I feel like WC Students has really equipped me to know what good community looks like so I know what to look for in the future.”

Throughout their season in WC Students, each student feels their faith has grown – and will continue to grow based off the basics they have learned in their time in this community. Each one has learned pillars of what creates a strong foundation in Christ.

For Grant Loomis, a senior at Keller Central High School, he has learned that his identity is rooted in who God is – a principle many of us might not have learned until later in life. “I definitely was like one of those stressed out kids who always kind of changed themselves to try and fit in best with the groups that I was hanging out with. So I never really had my own identity – and through WC, I found that it doesn’t matter what other people think about you, only thing that matters is who you are and who God sees you as. So rather than finding my identity in other people, as I’ve progressed, I have changed from finding my identity in other people to finding my identity in God and who He says I am.”

Through this program, Grant found his heart being called into ministry. “I’ve become someone who wants to work in the church because of all the things that it has given me, and I just want to be able to give back to other people what I’ve been able to learn and the wisdom I’ve acquired through the church and life.” 24

Another amazing tool these students have learned is the beauty of consistency and discipline. “I’ve grown as a Christian purely out of discipline. You just become more disciplined as you grow in your faith. The past four years, the community has helped with the discipline of being a Christian. And the consistency – because that’s something I’ve always struggled with.. being a consistent Christian,” explained Desi. He understands the importance of time with God, as well as in a community learning from others. High school comes with its challenges – and sometimes, we see some setbacks as major. And often, those setbacks are where Jesus has big, big plans for us. Jacqueline shared when she went through a stressful time in high school that taught her something that she can hold onto as she heads into college. “I was going after a leadership position my sophomore year in high school on the drill team and it kind of became my life. I wasn’t going to church, I wasn’t sleeping or eating right – I focused all my efforts into something that didn’t end up working, and wasn’t meant to work out. So I think that the aftermath of that, the summer before my junior year, I realized that I didn’t have my priorities straight. I was in unhealthy friendships, and rebuilding myself into who I wanted to be – so WC Students for me, gave me an immediate hand when I looked up and decided I wanted to reset my priorities and reset my focus. They were immediately there. That consistency that they’re always there.” Leaving such a strong community might bring feelings of fear, but for WC Students, the hope is that they know they can always come home – but that they are strong enough and know the foundational ways to stay connected to the Lord. “My hope for these students is that they would stay connected to the Lord as they begin their journey through college. I hope that they would

not look for God only in what they experienced in youth group here at WC Students, but that they will find and experience the Lord in new and fresh ways in college. I am excited for these students to find authentic community!” exclaimed Floyd. For many of you reading this, you might know someone entering seventh grade – or is already in high school and isn’t plugged in yet. As these students can attest, this program is a home. It’s a place to find not just truth – but grace. “It’s really cool to know we have that community where we can go to someone and say we’re struggling and ask for prayer, and know those people are going to act on that. I know they are friends I can come to, ask Jesus questions, and grow my faith as I grow theirs – I have a home with them,” shared Stacy. Kate completely agreed – and encourages students to step out of their comfort zone, even if it’s awkward. “I would say for me, in middle school, I was really really shy. For me, if Stacy wasn’t going, I wasn’t going to church. If I could tell myself, just go and make other friends and that community – they are all such nice people, and just going and getting involved and taking that leap of faith, even if it scares you – it will be so beneficial in the long run to be a part of this family.”

As we celebrate these amazing students and the journeys they are off to, we also have to remember that another group of kids are coming up behind them. WC Students continues to grow and teach our children the importance of loving and chasing after Jesus. White’s Chapel is very blessed to partner with each of the students, their families and each of you that plays a role in the WC Students ministry! “It’s more than just a place to come and worship together – it’s actually a community that’s not here just Sundays and Wednesdays. It’s here all the time – you can reach out to the staff and people any time, because they’re always here for you,” explained Desi. “WC has had a huge impact on my life and I’ll forever be grateful for it,” said Grant. And as Stacy reminded me, we’re all just vessels for Jesus – how can we best represent Him today and be obedient in the places He takes us? “I just want be refined and fully pour into Jesus and just ask Him, ‘What do you want to show me through college?’” Each student’s testimony of faith was so encouraging to me to continue to fall more in love with the Lord each day. I pray that it has lit a fire in your heart, too!

And this family always has open arms. “I’ve had some friends that have gone through some really tough times and WC Students always welcomes them right back, right away. And I think that’s something that’s really special. Because high schoolers – that’s their greatest fear in a lot of ways, that people aren’t going to accept them, and they’re afraid because ‘I’m too far gone,’ or ‘I’ve messed up too badly.’ I think that is super special,” shared Jacqueline.

A Place to Call Home By Emily Keller

ometimes we all need a helping hand, an encouraging smile or just a glimmer of hope that we can’t find on our own. For Home with a Heart, a ministry of WC, the ultimate goal is to provide that hope and joy to families currently struggling through the trials of homelessness. White’s Chapel works with area agencies to renovate apartments, as well as decorate and set up the household. Through this program, an apartment is renovated and transformed into a home – but more than that, hearts are transformed. For J’seca, this second chance changed the trajectory of her life and her daughters’ lives. “I got connected with Home with a Heart because I was in a shelter in downtown Dallas, and I was there for approximately 12 weeks… so it was not very long, and I had a case worker there that gave me an application to try this,” she explained. According to the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance, the total homeless population in Dallas is up nine percent – with more than 4,500 people accounted for, including safe haven and transitional housing, emergency shelter, and those living unsheltered. For Tarrant County, the latest count, according to the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, showed just over 2,000 people walking through the journey of homelessness. For J’seca, going from shelter to shelter, or to a friend’s house, was difficult and brought about more challenges that we often don’t even think

of. “I was so exhausted and tired – from home to home, from this shelter to that shelter, it was very hard,” she shared. The impact it had on her daughters was undeniable too. “I can remember, they didn’t want to go to bed… They were used to being up and having so much going on around them. They didn’t have that stability – it was hard to teach them what a bed time was, or this is dinner time, or nap time.” The process and acceptance into the Home with a Heart program is not one for the faint of heart. It takes time, and there are rules in place once a family is accepted. Not only does Home with a Heart seek to create a home for a family in need, but also opportunities for these participants to grow and learn – and ultimately break the chains of poverty and homelessness. “We go down to the apartments on Nash St. which are owned by GRACE, and we go in and refurbish them – to create a new living space for people that are in transition,” explained Chris Rowley, Home with a Heart volunteer for five years. “We’ve had people that have come in that have actually said, ‘I’ve never had my own place before,’ and now they have a one bedroom, one bathroom place to call their own.” Once J’seca applied, all she could do then was wait. “It was nothing but a waiting game after I filled out the application… After my time expired at the shelter, I had to move in with a friend for a while – for barely a month. But then I

can remember having one of those cell phones through the government and I had received a voicemail – and I was panicking, because I thought maybe someone else got the spot and I was so scared. So when I called back, they set up an interview and I was so excited about that.” She received her interview where she faced yet another battle, but chose to be brave through the fear. “First, I was very nervous and everyone was like strangers to me. It was hard because I didn’t trust anybody – and I knew that they had good intentions, still trusting was a very hard thing for me. So when we interviewed, I knew that I wanted to just be completely truthful because I knew that was the only way that they could help me, and know who I am and where I’ve come from.”

Her honesty and bravery paid off! I truly believe that no matter where she came from, or where we’re coming from, God honors when we show up as completely ourselves. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,” Exodus 20:16 reminds us. Once approved, J’seca and her two daughters would get to move into an apartment newly renovated with the help of the WC Dirty Dozen, decorators and donations from our very own Angels’ Attic. Simply picturing the moment when J’seca and her girls got to walk through the door into their new home is overwhelming. Her face shines with such joy when she describes that day. “It seemed like a dream, like I honestly couldn’t understand what I was hearing – what was actually going to happen,” she shared. “When I walked in, I didn’t expect all of everything – I just expected a room. I didn’t care honestly if it was just a couch, I just wanted somewhere that was inside – that was home. Seeing everyone there was like amazing - I didn’t even know anybody in the room, but they were there to help me and that was unbelievable.”

The volunteers that helped turn this into a home for her family were all there to welcome her and encourage her in the beginning stages of this new journey. “When I first moved into my apartment, I felt… it was overwhelming. And everything was so beautiful, I honestly felt like I didn’t want to touch anything. I felt like I was going to mess it up and I hadn’t ever had anything like that before. Just the first thing that was so awesome to me, was like the bed. I had never had my own bed before. For Home of the Heart to do that for me, was amazing. I was able to actually go in a kitchen and cook for myself and my girls.” This partnership White’s Chapel has with GRACE and other surrounding agencies is truly life-changing, and for those who have seen the impact have seen the true workings of people following the call to be Jesus’ hands and feet for the people of this world. Never before had J’seca felt the safety of a true home, and through this process, she has found her faith rooted in Christ, giving her the hope to continue on each day. “When I first got the apartment, I walked in and it was just like – I took nothing but a breath of fresh air. I can just remember I felt like I just wanted to fall to my knees, and just thank God. One of my favorite memories of being at the Home with a Heart apartment is that peace – and being safe. Even growing up as a kid, feeling safe was not a part of my life. But just feeling completely safe, like nothing else could hurt me.” Today, J’seca and her daughters have graduated from the Home with a Heart program – moving into another apartment of their own. J’seca has

a steady job she loves, as well as the joy and courage of God to take her through each season of life as it comes. She is still being nurtured and poured into through parenting classes and support groups, a continuation of the program that seeks to prevent families from transitioning back into homelessness. “I feel a whole lot brighter – I can smile about good situations and about bad situations, because I know eventually it will work out. I find myself praying more and just having more faith. I think I’m actually able to do more now than I was able to do then – I definitely feel like a different person than I was.” For her two daughters and her, Home with a Heart was that helping hand we all need sometimes. And through the support of White’s Chapel, GRACE, Angels’ Attic and many more, we have the opportunity to show those in need the love and mercy of God – whether that’s through a safe home to live in, food for their kitchen, or even just through our prayers.

Easter at WC By Cassidy Williams

hiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel offers many reflective, unique and celebratory events during the Lenten season. The church is always busy - kids running through the halls singing songs about Jesus and adults gathered around discussing the impactful sermons, but this time of year is especially busy. As the season progresses, so does the church.

Ash Wednesday Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel began the Lenten season with two beautiful and meaningful Ash Wednesday services. With heart and mind bowed to God, each participant walked up to receive the imposition of ashes. There were about 1,186 people that attended a service at WC that day.

Holy Week Holy Week, the seven-day period leading up to Easter, is a special time of reflection at Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel. One is able to connect with God through different events held throughout the week. These events allow individuals to connect with the Holy Spirit in their own, personal way.

Other Holy Week Events In addition to the big Holy Week events, Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel also offers quiet moments of individual reflection during this time of year. Multiple events, such as the Prayer Labyrinth and the Lenten Journey, offer community members an opportunity to pray and honor God. The Prayer Labyrinth consisted of a labyrinth inside the Bridge, with a cross at its center. It allowed participants to pray, while looking at the cross. Even though their struggles might be great, with every step they were moving back to the cross. The Old Rugged Cross Reflection was a new event this year. At this unique event, people could enter Grace Chapel and focus on the cross. After participants had a moment of silence, they could write their sins and burdens on a piece of paper. Then, they could nail it to the cross - symbolizing the laying down of our own faults. Jesus died for us so that we may live. At the Sunrise Easter service, all the papers were taken down and put into a bowl. It was then lit on fire. This symbolized how Jesus took our sin away with His own death on the cross.

Palm Sunday Our celebration of Palm Sunday has become an expected and exciting tradition each year during Holy Week. The ‘Palm Parade,’ a dramatic rejoicing of Jesus’ triumphant entry, encourages members to bring to life the same excitement of that day. Children participate by meeting in their Sunday School classes prior to the services, while adults join the drama by meeting outside the sanctuary. When the horn blows, members get a glimpse of what Jesus’ triumphant entry would have been like. Children and adults walk down the aisles waving palms in preparation for Jesus’ arrival. This year, Jesus rode through the middle aisle of the sanctuary riding a donkey. Many different animals, such as lambs, goats, chickens, as well as a few bunnies, were also seen in the celebratory service. This scene really captured the image of all of God’s creation celebrating Jesus and honoring the sacrifice that would be made at the end of the week. About 5,200 people were able to attend this year’s Sunday morning processional experiences and Palm Sunday brunch. 32

Maundy Thursday Although Palm Sunday and Easter morning are more well known, Maundy Thursday is another important time of reflection. For many, this is the service that is most impactful and serves as one of the major focal points within the Easter story. This year, Maundy Thursday was a somber and reflective service. Every year, White’s Chapel offers a Maundy Thursday event that depicts the betrayal of Christ through both spiritual and secular music, as well as dramatic reenactments.

near the fountain. Musical performances by Cantaré, the children’s choir, the WC Choir and Orchestra, the praise band, as well as a few talented soloists were included. About 1,800 people attended this year’s Maundy Thursday event. The Facebook livestream, featuring the service, had about 3,504 views.

The hour-long service, held at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, began with the Last Supper. It shed light on the meaning of the crucifixion, while providing a sense of hope for the world. In response to the somber service, members of the congregation had the opportunity to partake in communion outside,

Easter The resurrection of Christ marks the end of Holy Week and is celebrated with jubilant celebration unlike any other! Easter, recognized as the day Jesus rose from the grave, is a beautiful and meaningful holiday to many different believers around the world.

Easter Weekend This year, Whiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chapel had about 11,000 people on campus for Easter weekend! The weekend began with the Saturday service on April 20, at 5:30 p.m. The Sunrise Service at about 6:45 a.m. kicked off the Sunday morning services. The WC choir and orchestra led the congregation in song at the four sanctuary services that followed. A Celebration of the Resurrection was held after these services had concluded, in the Columbarium. At this event, doves were released to symbolize the remaining hope we have in Jesus. In addition to the physical guests on campus, people also watched the services online. The Facebook livestream, featuring the 10:30 a.m. service, had about 2,398 views. Each service was also livestreamed through the website. About 2,000 people watched the services from the website. 34

Easter Eggstravaganza This year, Easter Eggstravaganza was a blast! Although it rained the morning of the event, kids were still active and excited to look for eggs. To keep everyone out of the dreary weather, the Easter Eggstravaganza was moved inside. This allowed children to look for hidden Easter eggs in the sanctuary. Additional Easter Eggstravaganza events were available for children with disabilities, so they could also partake in the Easter egg fun! About 1,400 children and family members were able to attend.

I’m a Wazer.

ou may not be familiar with Wazers, so just a quick lesson. Wazers use a special app(lication) on their phones to navigate highways and/or find their way to a specific place. Wazers share real-time situations in order to outsmart traffic. Call it a glorified GPS (global positioning system) if you will, but those who use the app can communicate traffic problems, construction; any obstacle that might impede getting to a destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. We feel special. I have to admit, however, that none of these are the reasons I became a Wazer. The REAL reason I became a Wazer was because of an article I read announcing a guest Wazer voice. The idea of Morgan Freeman telling me where to go was beyond exciting. Morgan Freeman! Described as the voice of God himself! (Side note: Morgan Freeman did portray the voice of God in the film "Bruce Almighty" several years ago. I don’t mean to be sacrilegious here, but in my very finite mind, if I were to imagine in this earthly body, what God might physically sound like, it would be pretty close to Morgan Freeman.)

right now. Morgan did not berate me, or correct me, or even get upset with me. At some point, he just became quiet and finally adapted to my way of doing things. Just my luck, there was a collision on the highway, and traffic was slow. Obviously, I finally did things right, and I got a little bell. Now we were working together well. I’ve often wondered --- if a GPS system truly were interactive --- what it would say back to me under such circumstances. I have imagined it saying things like, “I told you to turn right back there! Don’t blame me!” or “If you had listened to me, you wouldn’t be in this mess!” or even “If you weren’t planning to listen to me, why did you ask my advice in the first place?” Of course, it’s a computer. It says nothing back. It simply adapts and attempts to help me out of messes I get myself into because I’m not paying attention, not planning ahead, or not heeding its advice. As I listened to Morgan that day, I continued going my own way until the road became tricky. I knew it was going to. But I wasn’t expecting it to get tricky so quickly! Sure enough, I was not where I was supposed to be. Chaos was all around me. Other cars, more concerned with their own destinations, were NOT

The day I downloaded the app I was going somewhere that would require reminding myself of a few specific twists and turns along the way. The road was tricky, so it was a perfect time to use my new toy. Immediately coming out of my street, Morgan told me to turn right. Now, I knew that was not the best way to get started on my destination, so I turned left. Evidently Morgan wanted me to go a different route, and adamantly reminded me to turn a different way. I kept going my way because, of course, I drove this particular part of my journey every day and really didn’t need him 37

concerned about my journey (even though I had my blinker on in a timely manner). I didn’t make my turn in time. Now I was in a real mess. Patiently, Morgan adapted and tried to talk me out of my mess. It took us a few extra miles and more than a few extra minutes. That’s when it hit me. Morgan, or the voice of God, had been talking to me through the entire journey. I just hadn’t been listening. Isn’t that how we are with the real voice of God? We start our journey with the idea that we are in control. I’ve got this, God. I know best. I do this all the time; I’ll let you know when I need you. And very quietly, God waits. We get in a mess. He maintains His guidance, but doesn’t impose His will. He stays quietly guiding us in the background, waiting for us to realize how much we need Him. And when finally we do, He is there; without rebuke, without reprimand, without frustration. He quietly guides us out of the chaos of life and helps return us to the right path. Morgan and I arrived safely. It took longer than I had planned, and probably cost more in gas, but we got there. I did realize that the global positioning system in my car is very much like the God Protective System in my life. He sees the road ahead. How much smoother is my journey if only I follow the wisdom of His guidance!

Issue 6