Being A Blessing: Monique & Craig's Abiding Story
“We felt comfortable as soon as we walked in,” recalls Craig Fraedrich, about his first time visiting Abiding Presence with then fiancée Monique. “We knew right from the beginning it would be a place where we were welcomed and engaged in the community immediately as they encouraged new people to participate,” he said. Craig and Monique were married here and raised their two boys in this church with Sunday worship and weekly activities a part of their family values.
“This is not a church of spectators, but one of people being involved,” Craig shared. Monique added, “It’s not even just worship services, but everyone is encouraged to be a part of the ministry happening here.” Having raised their boys from first communions to Confirmation classes and beyond they said, “Our children had the experience of making their own decisions and we gave them that foundation they still carry with them today.”
Craig & Monique have hosted a book discussion group at their home since before Covid. “We like to discuss things and hear different people’s views, not being wrong or right, but how they came to their beliefs,” Monique said. She shared, “We all get to listen and talk and that says a lot about Abiding Presence and what this church values.”
When asked about sharing of their time as volunteers at Abiding Presence through the years they both reflected on it being a part of who they are. Monique recalled, “We’ve been here a long time and we weren’t always doing all the things we do now.” She said, “You figure out what are the most important things you’re going to do with your time and for us church is always at the top.” Monique serves as the Treasurer for Abiding Presence, a volunteer position that takes a lot of time and a lot of talent. She shared, “The role I have is to help however I can and to use my God given gifts.”
Craig, a music professor at Shenandoah University, serves as one of several adults who work with the Youth Music Ensemble during the week. “I am finding ways to bring my teaching experience and performance experience to support this group and I’ve gotten to use my gifts in positive ways,” he shared. “Jazz improvisation, the primary skill I teach, is something they get by hearing me play,” Craig said. When Craig played during a recent worship service, a young musician seated next to him exclaimed, “Well that was a fun solo!” Craig said, “It was a meaningful experience to be an inspiration and show them this is something attainable to them.”
Thinking about the future of Abiding Presence and sustaining this community into the coming years is another part of Craig and Monique’s values. Monique shared, “We have a charitable giving fund setup so that our giving level will continue.” Craig commented, “Knowing that as we continue to slide towards retirement our yearly income will go down, we will be able to maintain our current level of giving and support.” He said, “We are excited and proud to be part of all that Abiding Presence does, like the food pantry and outreach to the community.” Craig said, “Finding purpose in life and being part of what this church is doing now has added to our purpose as we made a conscious decision to share our wealth, our blessings, today.” Monique shared, “Giving back to this community is who are are, it’s our family that we have chosen.” Craig followed up by saying, “Our church is fertile ground that’s been well fertilized and well cultivated and the staff and pastors do so much to care for all the ministry we do and God continues to provide.” Monique added, “We couldn’t do what we do without all of the staff and pastors.”