Last week I wrote that we had an out-of-town trip coming up.
The first thing you have to do when preparing to go out of town is find reliable and responsible house and dog sitters. We interviewed this young couple for the position and thought they might fit the bill.
They even had the Smith Goodbye Wave down pat. It seems like they might have seen it somewhere before.
So where were we headed?
This place!
Well, not this place specifically, but this is one of the stops we made. (For new readers, this is the house we lived in thirteen years before moving to Charlotte.)
Yes, our trip was to Manteo!
The church we pastored was celebrating its 75th anniversary and the former pastors were invited back for the occasion. What a morning of celebration that was, to walk into the church and be greeted by a hundred hugs and the smiles of familiar, beloved faces. It seemed like the two years we’d been gone vanished in an instant.
During one part of the service, the youth group did a song from one of the big Easter dramas we had done. It was so special to see that again.
The two returning pastoral couples were invited forward to say a few words.
I stood on that platform behind my keyboard approximately 670 times during our tenure at the church. Such a privilege to stand up there once again.
church people are the best cooks and that was proven to be true yesterday. We didn’t get a chance to eat much of the delicious food after the service though, because there were so many people we wanted to speak with.
It was a special honor to line up for pictures with the pastors who had gone before us (Ron and Judy Denham in the middle) and the pastors who followed us (Ivy and Laura Belch). There was so much laughter and kidding around; so much mutual love and respect. Sometimes it seems like we hear that pastors are always in competition with each other; not this group!
I got to take a photo with my special friend, Faith. She was in a class I taught and she and I have kept up with each other via video chats over the two years we’ve been gone. So fun to see my little friend!
And in the midst of it all, were those faithful women who (with many others) worked so hard to make it all happen..
They were volunteering their time when we pastored in Manteo and are still doing so. So thankful for their behind-the-scenes faithfulness.
I have one or two more stories to share but for now, I need to help Steve get the room packed and the car loaded. We’ve got seven hours back to Charlotte and then I’ve got work tomorrow.
I just wanted to take a few moments to share the joy of a special and memorable day. We are blessed with joyful memories of thirteen years invested in the Manteo congregation.
What about you?
Have you ever gone back to a place you used to live and/or work? What was your experience?
What is the weather like where you are? Here in Manteo it’s 60 degrees and sunny.
I grew up in Pennsylvania and lived in the same town until I was 34. I eventually moved to North Carolina and now I haven’t been back in three years. I will be going back for Christmas. I’m a but nervous about what it will feel like. So much of my life, so many foundational moments and events and eras and experiences occurred there. It was the backdrop to everything, and now it’s like a stranger.
Ellen,
You’ve captured the “going back” feelings so well, especially with your ending line.
I think every person who has ever been in your shoes can relate to what you’re feeling. Thanks for sharing this snippet of your life with us and I hope that your visit brings you new memories to treasure.
We occasionally go back to the town we lived in for 42 years. It always feels so good to be there because our friends are all there. We don’t really miss our house, just the people and the community. I haven’t gone back to where I used to work. I have stayed in touch with a couple of the most special people from there and that’s all I need. The reunions are always the best!!
Our weather is cloudy, cool and we have finally been getting some much needed rain!!! Hallelujah!!!!
LeeAnne,
We are getting rain today too, after at least a month with no rain at all!
I know it’s fun for you guys to go back to the place you used to live. As you said, it’s more about friends and community than it is about a home or a place.
The last time I went home to see my Dad before he passed away (probably 2006 or 2007) I visited the church I grew up in. In many ways, nothing had changed, just fewer members in the congregation. But it was so good to see (and still recognize), and hug so many familiar people. Last week we were still pretty warm in DFW but yesterday (11/2) some rain and cooler temps moved in and right now, 11:43 pm Sunday night, we are down to 75 and it looks like that will be about as warm as we get this coming week. I’m ready to break out some sweaters – I love sweater weather!! I’m so glad you and Steve had the opportunity to go back to your church in Manteo. It’s always special to return to a beloved place and people.
Sue Ellen,
I know. Isn’t it great to go back to somewhere you used to be and see those same familiar faces? Even though there were fewer of them, those hugs were all the sweeter.
Yes, I love sweater weather, too. Hopefully, you are enjoying your cooler weather this week!
So glad you were able to make this return trip to Wonderful Manteo!!!
Fred and Lucy,
We were so glad to be back among all those familiar faces. Such sweet people and a sweet church.
How wonderful to go back to the church you used to pastor. Went back about 8 years ago to an all school reunion (very small town) and our church is now an apartment. That was a little sad. I must say you have amazing dog sitters. Cute in every way. Our weather here is wishy washy – today about 65 – tomorrow 84 – Wed. 55 and rainy. Well, the fall season seems to be slipping away. But I am not ready for snow yet! Still too earely.
Sharyn,
I know. It’s always a little sad for me too, when fall slips away. I love this season!
Sorry to hear your church was turned into an apartment; I know you had many good memories made there.
I love when former pastors return to the church where I attend for special homecoming services. It’s always so fun for them to see my family and my children all grown up. The pastor who walked with us through the loss of our Sarah was at the last homecoming service and it was so special to see him and have him be able to celebrate our new grandbaby. I’m so glad you guys went. It means so much to the members.
Lisa,
How wonderful you got to see the pastor again who helped your family through your loss. Those kinds of bonds that are forged in the fire will hold tight for a long, long time.
Yes, I’m glad we went back. It was a joy to see all those familiar faces and to remember all the memories we shared.
Wow!!! Just think, in 25 years you and Steve can go back to your old church for the 100 year celebration!!! 💜
Lizz,
Whew! I’m feeling pretty elderly just thinking about it. 🙂
I just had my 50th grade school reunion. There were people there I had not seen since graduation and it was lovely to see everyone again. It is nice catching up with all of them. The nice part was there was no political talk (many of us have VERY different feelings about this election). We just talked about our families, careers, retirement, etc. It was a wonderful evening
Mary,
How wonderful to have a politics-free gathering. I’m sure everyone there was very grateful for it.
So fun you got to see people who you met so many decades ago. I know it’s a lot of trouble to get to reunions but it’s always worth it.
Funny you should ask! We were invited back to our very first ministry in Roper NC for his coming Sunday. Richard will be preaching. They are celebrating 150 years! We were there as youth minister when we were like 21 years old. That would be 49 years ago. Even more interesting is we have been in the OBX all week. We went to Son Rise Church of Christ in Kitty Hawk. If only we had known!
Hope you aren’t too worn out! We are heading to my mom’s right now outside of Washington NC. Then back to Roper on Sunday. I’m sure we will be eating good food too. I’m afraid I am not going to remember many people. Maybe I will be surprised!
Buff,
How fun to go back to a place where you were 49 years ago. Wow! I’m always grateful for patient congregations you allow young ministers to practice their preaching skills on them. I know Steve and Richard are thankful.
That’s funny we were on the OBX at the same time. Great minds!
Hope you had a great reunion Sunday.