i never knew that the throws of grad school would bring me closer to the Lord, aside from "oh dear God, please let me get this thesis finished in time. or at all." but when i was student teaching full-time, working on my thesis, prepping for my 4 praxis exams, and still attending classes, i had to really evaluate every spare moment i had.
enter: the village chapel.
the church i had been attending was great, it really was. but, it was a 30 minutes drive, each way, and the service could run up to 3 hours sometimes. and not that the Lord is not worthy of that time, but some sundays it became a commitment too large to keep. so, i decided to find a church a little closer to home. and by closer, i mean, a mile away.
i immediately fell in love with the village chapel. the simplicity of its worship: old hymns and acoustic sets; no stage or fancy lights or major front-of-house equipment to make you feel like you're attending a concert. the history of the chapel: 100+ year old convent, with exposed beams, high ceilings, and the only decor, an unassuming cross made of driftwood and hung high on the front wall. the warmth you felt when you walk in: from the congregation, from Pastor Jim, from his wife, Kim, as she leads prayers that are genuine and spirit-filled, not to mention, often exceeding 5 minutes as she carefully and precisely carries each need to the throne of the Lord.
to have been able to now call myself a member of TVC for 2 years (minus my 4 months in Haiti), i am honored. we are a church full of repentant sinners, in need of God's grace and mercy, and desiring intimacy with Him and knowledge of who He is. this body of believers holds a special place in my heart; and not that i am worshipping the creation more than the creator; rather, i am merely appreciative that He has led me to an unassuming place where His glory dwells.
i've "done" church in Nashville before. i've been to some really awesome ones, and some not so great ones. even as a believer, i've felt like an outsider at some-- only a fraction of the judgment i'm sure a non-christian visitor must be subject to. i've felt like some churches are about bigger and better worship than the church next door, and who value the quality and production of their worship perhaps more than the One they are seeking to worship. now, TVC is NOT perfect. again, i say we are a group of repentant sinners. but i treasure the authenticity and sincerity of the faith professed at TVC. it doesn't come off arrogant, nor calloused, nor needy, nor greedy. it comes off in moments of joy; or the bare-faced exhaustion of a new mom. perhaps it is lived out in the vulnerable tears of a girl that kneels at the communion table. the invitation to "get coffee" (which, being a non-coffee drinker, i wish there was a valid substitute!) and talk about life. we are people, made by God, to do life with people, who live for God.
i used to think that i needed a mounting melody and the swell of a bridge to emotionally interact with the Holy Spirit through (musical) worship at church. but feeling my heart swell from the spirit as all else is stripped away, i feel the sense of completion and satisfaction, as if the final piece of the puzzle has been slipped into place.
i have been humbled and honored to call TVC home. to serve there, to grow there. to study under Pastor Jim's teachings, to learn from the gentleness of Kim's prayers. i am so thankful for the truth spoken in love and wisdom, and for the church i have come to call home.
runners up: daylight savings time. the generosity and encouragement of friends through their gifts. the ability to think (borderline thankful/angry over this one).
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