As a child, I often attended Sunday School, but as I got older, I gradually fell away from church altogether. I believed in Jesus and knew that He died on the cross for my sins. I tried to follow Him on my own, but I often found myself straying.
I married my high school sweetheart when I was 19, and this October, we will celebrate our 41st wedding anniversary. We have one daughter, who God has used in many ways to lead me closer to Him.
When our daughter was in kindergarten, she participated in several sports through Upward Sports at local churches. Through these programs, she was introduced to prayer, Bible teachings, and devotions. She began asking me questions about Scripture and Jesus that I couldn't answer. It was humbling—and honestly, a little saddening—to realize that my five-year-old knew more about the Bible than I did.
That was the moment I knew it was time for my family and me to find a church home. We did, and it became an important part of our lives. My daughter attended with me every Sunday, and eventually, my husband joined us as well.
I became very involved in the church, serving in many different areas, including teaching children, Vacation Bible School, and Sports Camp. Later, I was ordained and became a Deacon. I have always loved serving others, but most of all, I have loved learning more about God and His Word.
During my many years at that church, I made some wonderful friendships and experienced many meaningful seasons of ministry. Later, after experiencing some emotional church hurt, I felt that it was time to find another church home.
Looking back, I know that God has a plan for our lives, even when we don't understand what He is doing. The difficult and disappointing seasons of life have taught me to trust Him more and to rely on Him rather than myself.
A core group of us who had fellowshipped and served together for years felt God leading us to plant a new church. From that calling, the seed for 4041 Church was planted.
We are planting 4041 Church not for ourselves, but to grow God's Kingdom and reach people right here in our local community. I am beyond blessed and humbled to be part of this mission and to see what God is going to do through it.
I was born and raised in Gloucester and have lived here most of my life, with the exception of about five years. It is incredibly special to me to be part of a church-planting team right here in my hometown.
I invite you to come and be part of our fellowship, grow with us, and learn more about our gracious and loving God. I can't wait to see what He has in store for 4041 Church and for our community!
