Home Again: Kathy's Abiding Story

Raised in the Lutheran faith, Kathy regularly attended her local Lutheran church as an adult and it became a familiar place. She was involved in a number of ministries such as taking communion to shut-ins. “It was a small church and there was always a lot to do so I served in lots of roles,” Kathy shared.

When it came time to relocate from Pennsylvania to Virginia to live near her daughter’s family, Kathy’s daughter suggested Abiding Presence as a possible church home. “I went to the website, signed up for the enews, and heard from Pastor Meredith inviting me to a worship service and to OWLs,” Kathy recalled. “I was looking for a warm environment and was so impressed by the positive energy and overall vibe at Abiding Presence,” she said.

In December 2023 when Kathy attended her first OWLs luncheon and program she said, “I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone but before I even got to the front door Dorothy and Bob [Vitter] were walking in and introduced themselves and invited me to sit with them.” Having been put at ease, Kathy was then introduced to the other OWLs at their table by her new friends. “They each made me feel so welcome and part of the group that it was easy to talk to everyone,” she recalled.

Attending Abiding Table on Sunday mornings has been another way that Kathy has enjoyed meeting and getting to know people. She has also been attending monthly Book Club meetings and adult bible study and has thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and faith formation. “It’s nice to be in a larger congregation where there are many ways to grow in my faith and I love the pastors’ sermons as they challenge me personally,” Kathy shared.

Kathy said, “I was surprised how welcoming everyone was and that it’s just part of the DNA of this church.” She has enjoyed trying new things and new ways to serve others while having the time to intentionally grow in her own faith. She shared, “It’s a joy to be here and I feel like I’m home again.”