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Brothers and Sisters,

Throughout the year, I will ask people to share how being connected at Hayesville First has affected His or Her life. You may hear their stories on Sunday morning, or in the case of Ron Kinkead, you may read about it on line. If you have a story to share, please let me know. Here is Ron's. Enjoy...

Kirk

Connection # 1

Dear Congregation,

Several days ago, Kirk asked me if I would give a testimonial about my experience with our church. He went on to say, " No rush, Ron. Maybe as soon as next Sunday!" I was honored that Kirk felt that my testimonial was worthy of sharing, but I wasn't really sure how to put my feeling into words. United Met

Since we were children, Susie and I have been Christians and attended church services and Sunday School, but until we started attending this church, we both felt we had not been living our faith completely. The embrace of this warm, caring Church family, starting with Kirk, and reflected by each of you, has revitalized and strengthened our faith more that you can know.

In great part, because of this Congregation, I now feel God's embrace each and every day. His embrace is often shown to me by your love and compassion. This strength gives me the opportunity to be Christ's witness in many ways. When I am able to do service for our church or elsewhere, even in the smallest measure, I know it is God uplifting me and giving me strength through His grace, so that I can witness to others. When I can make someone laugh, smile or give me a hug, that's God's work and it is a blessing to me.

Our Church Family has given Susie and me the kind of support and love we never expected to find in our lives, and because of this, my greatest hope is to, as Kirk always says, be the "Face of Christ" to someone each and every day as you have been to me.

Thank you all.

God bless our church

Ron Kinkead

Connection # 2

Everyone who knows me says that I have commitment issues ranging from not being able to schedule a coffee date, starting a project, living in one place for more than a year at a time, or even picking out shoes in the morning. Until recently, I thought my real issue was fear of making a wrong choice. Kirk has talked a lot about Christmas and Easter Christians, the ones who come to church twice a year and sit in the back row. Despite the fact that I was raised in the church and always claimed to be a Christian, I was one of those seasonal Christians – a Christian with a commitment problem. After all, it is easier to make a commitment to Christ a couple of days out of the year instead of doing the hard work of trying to be the face of Christ everyday. Like many people who stray from the church, I made familiar excuses; I didn’t want to be around church-going hypocrites; I don’t like organized religion; I’m too busy. When I moved back to Hayesville a year and a half ago it was to change the direction of my life and I knew then that meant finding my way back to God, to rediscover my faith, practice it, and make it meaningful. During this time I have been surprised at the people who have reached out to me, shared their experiences and offered support. From family members, old friends, strangers who have become new friends and even former teachers (you know who you are), I have been unconditionally supported on my journey to reconnect with Christ. Since my baptism a month ago, I have realized that my failure to profess and practice my faith had nothing to do with my beliefs and everything to do with the fact that I did not want to make a commitment to God, myself, my family and friends, or community. I did not want to be responsible and held accountable for my actions as a Christian. Whether you are quoting Ecclesiastes, or listening to The Byrds, I believe that there is a time and a place for every purpose under Heaven. There are no random acts in the universe. God places people in our lives when we need them the most. This has been my time, and this Church, these people have been my place. Whether I stay in Hayesville for one more summer, one more year, or a lifetime, thank you for being the face of Christ and nurturing me on this journey. God bless you and keep you all.

Jessica Gentry

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	*Brothers and Sisters,* Throughout the year, I will ask people to share how being connected at Hayesville First has affected His or Her life. You may hear their stories on Sunday morning, or in the case of Ron Kinkead, you may read about it on line. If you have a story to share, please let me know. Here is Ron's. Enjoy... *Kirk* *Connection # 1* *Dear Congregation,* Several days ago, Kirk asked me if I would give a testimonial about my experience with our church. He went on to say, " No rush, Ron. Maybe as soon as next Sunday!" I was honored that Kirk felt that my testimonial was worthy of sharing, but I wasn't really sure how to put my feeling into words. United Met Since we were children, Susie and I have been Christians and attended church services and Sunday School, but until we started attending this church, we both felt we had not been living our faith completely. The embrace of this warm, caring Church family, starting with Kirk, and reflected by each of you, has revitalized and strengthened our faith more that you can know. In great part, because of this Congregation, I now feel God's embrace each and every day. His embrace is often shown to me by your love and compassion. This strength gives me the opportunity to be Christ's witness in many ways. When I am able to do service for our church or elsewhere, even in the smallest measure, I know it is God uplifting me and giving me strength through His grace, so that I can witness to others. When I can make someone laugh, smile or give me a hug, that's God's work and it is a blessing to me. Our Church Family has given Susie and me the kind of support and love we never expected to find in our lives, and because of this, my greatest hope is to, as Kirk always says, be the "Face of Christ" to someone each and every day as you have been to me. *Thank you all.* *God bless our church* *Ron Kinkead* *Connection # 2* Everyone who knows me says that I have commitment issues ranging from not being able to schedule a coffee date, starting a project, living in one place for more than a year at a time, or even picking out shoes in the morning. Until recently, I thought my real issue was fear of making a wrong choice. Kirk has talked a lot about Christmas and Easter Christians, the ones who come to church twice a year and sit in the back row. Despite the fact that I was raised in the church and always claimed to be a Christian, I was one of those seasonal Christians – a Christian with a commitment problem. After all, it is easier to make a commitment to Christ a couple of days out of the year instead of doing the hard work of trying to be the face of Christ everyday. Like many people who stray from the church, I made familiar excuses; I didn’t want to be around church-going hypocrites; I don’t like organized religion; I’m too busy. When I moved back to Hayesville a year and a half ago it was to change the direction of my life and I knew then that meant finding my way back to God, to rediscover my faith, practice it, and make it meaningful. During this time I have been surprised at the people who have reached out to me, shared their experiences and offered support. From family members, old friends, strangers who have become new friends and even former teachers (you know who you are), I have been unconditionally supported on my journey to reconnect with Christ. Since my baptism a month ago, I have realized that my failure to profess and practice my faith had nothing to do with my beliefs and everything to do with the fact that I did not want to make a commitment to God, myself, my family and friends, or community. I did not want to be responsible and held accountable for my actions as a Christian. Whether you are quoting Ecclesiastes, or listening to The Byrds, I believe that there is a time and a place for every purpose under Heaven. There are no random acts in the universe. God places people in our lives when we need them the most. This has been my time, and this Church, these people have been my place. Whether I stay in Hayesville for one more summer, one more year, or a lifetime, thank you for being the face of Christ and nurturing me on this journey. God bless you and keep you all. Jessica Gentry