Written By Debbie Burns 

While volunteering last Sunday at the front desk, I entered into casual conversation with Tim Arnold during the 2nd service.  I was sharing my experience over the last 5 years at this church and one thing lead to another and the next thing I know I am being asked to put my experience on paper in the hopes that it might inspire others to get involved.

To fully appreciate this journey I must take you back to October 2006 when I first arrived at a Sunday Service with the encouragement of friends who obviously thought I needed the Lord in my life.  Recently separated and admittedly looking for something, I came willingly. 

From the moment I stepped foot in the building I felt good.  The music, sermon and congregation all inspired me to investigate further.  I began coming regularly on Sunday mornings, usually to the 11am Service.

I was continually surprised by the people I would see at church who I knew from other areas of my life.

For almost 2 full years I basically sat in the wings before I felt the urge to join a Life Group.  Off I went to LifeLine – alone -  one Sunday evening in 2008.  I was nervous – I do not share the Mennonite heritage that so many Southridge members do.  I did not know anyone leading these groups.  Compared to those already in Life Groups, I felt less than adequate in my knowledge of the bible.  My past experience in mainstream churches had left me feeling empty and disappointed.  There were so many reasons not to step outside my comfort zone but rather to remain in the background, enjoying, consuming and attending the Sunday morning experience. 

I believe God guided me into the care of a very special Life Group that evening.  The support and guidance and friendship within this group has changed my life.   The dynamics of the group has changed over the years and leadership has shifted but we all continue to grow in faith together (although I’m definitely still the junior member)!  Without my Life Group (and husband’s encouragement) I would have never moved into the next segment of my journey.

Even with the connection of a Life Group it took another 3 years before I felt right about being baptiized as an adult.  I was always questioning my faith.  I was full of questions, full of doubt.  I played devil’s advocate at almost every opportunity.   I wanted to believe unconditionally but could not. 

I was waiting for something to happen – something to snap.  Finally I got it.  The penny dropped one Sunday morning (during the Eternity Matters Series – Heaven).  Things became clearer.

FIVE years after entering the doors of Southridge, I belonged.  I now want to read scripture, I want to learn, I want to share, I want to serve.

In the last 3 months I’ve put myself out there and searched for ways that my talents and abilities can be of use to others at Southridge – I’ve become a volunteer!  I am active in the First Impressions Ministry and contribute to the Southridge Magazine.  I’ve met so many people this way and coincidentally, my experience at “church” has been enriched ten-fold.

My faith journey is in its infancy.  I have a long way to go and I have no idea where this will take me.   I am ready for the ride of a lifetime and I hope that along the way I can encourage others to embrace the word of God and step outside of their comfort zone long enough to experience what a life of faith can mean to them and those you come in contact with.  Life can be tough.. Don’t go it alone.