A Word from Pastor Nathan

Dear Friends,

Each day Elyria, Ohio, and Washington Avenue Christian Church feel more like home. When a box is emptied, collapsed, and recycled; when a favorite piece of art finds its final placement on an empty wall rather than resting on the carpet in the middle of the living room floor; and when I can run the Bridgeway Trail without having to explain to a Lorain County officer that I got lost (don ’t ask), I know that I ’m settling into life as a Buckeye.

On Friday of this past week, I opened a checking account at a local bank. Upon entering the building, an employee greeted me and welcomed me into her office. After exchanging pleasantries, I said that I just moved here from Texas. Her immediate response was “Why?” This is not the first time a person has asked me “Why?” but I interpret the question as, ‘Why would you leave Texas for Ohio? You know we have winter, right?’ I love responding to the question.

“There’s this church,” I say, “and it is incredible. Washington Avenue Christian Church is a welcoming and loving group of people. You should meet them; they are beautiful. They take mission and ministry seriously. They are diverse in ethnicity, life experience, political affiliation, socio -economic status, and yet, we are one church. Some of our members are active retirees, others teach in the public schools, work in the health and healing professions, serve in various industries, or have other careers. Many of the WACC members volunteer their efforts in any number of service organizations. The church has partnerships with the Elyria Hospitality Center, Second Harvest Food Bank, the Salvation Army, the Cleveland Christian Home, and that names only a few.” I stop short of pulling out my iPhone and scrolling through pictures and videos of you, though the temptation to do so is great.

The bank employee, responds, “So you moved for a job.” I answer, “Yes. And for a calling. It may not make sense, but if you knew this church, I think you would understand. ”

Washington Avenue Christian Church, you make me proud. Partnering with you in mutual ministry is an honor and serving as your pastor is a privilege. I am glad to call Washington Avenue and Ohio as my new home. Thank you for the ways in which you go to love and serve from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.

Peace abundant,

Nathan