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This Sunday, a group of interested people are signed up to learn more about The Downtown Church in our Next Steps Class. Brian and I will tell the story of how the church came to be since he and I started together in August of 2014. Preparing for this class makes me wax nostalgic and recognize my gratitude for the many people on whose shoulders we stand. Like our message series this summer, they are people who may be “obscure” to many who are attending TDC today, but they have had a huge impact in the formation of this church.
I think about Virginia Gleason. She served as head of the children’s department at the Springfield Central Public Library and Supervisor of Children’s Services for the Springfield-Greene County Public Library. Virginia brought her love of children and literature to her many years of service here. I think of John Thomas, an educator who spent his professional career making a difference in the lives of our community and for whom a school is named in Nixa. I think of Bill Berry, who led a recovery group here for years and would be happy to know that legacy continues 365 days a year with the Al-Anooners meeting.
And, of course, I think of Shep Woolford. Who, along with Charlie Thomison, concocted the whole idea of finding out what would happen if Wesley United Methodist Church on Republic Road was willing to take over the care and future of what was then known as St. Paul. That began a journey that preserved this congregation, brought Brian and I here, and allowed us to charter a brand new church in this place in 2019.
Remembering these people brings so many more to mind. And I am reminded of what they chose to do. They chose to let go of the past and grab on to the future. They were able to relinquish control of everything—finances, building, staffing—so that the kingdom of God might grow on the corner of Walnut and Jefferson once again. They bravely said, “Whatever it takes, Lord.” And because of their generosity and love of Jesus, Brian and I are serving Jesus Christ with you all through this wonderful, thriving, beautiful congregation. I don’t ever want to forget that The Downtown Church is built on people such as these.
See you Sunday,
Lori
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