At the beginning of this year I began praying for new people, new friends. My world had gotten smaller and smaller over the first few years after my husband’s death, and I was hungry and eager for new connections. With a few missteps, road blocks, and corrections along the way, God eventually opened a new door and revealed a new path.

This group of Christian singles I’ve met has been a breath of fresh air; a balm to a weary spirit, and a boost of encouragement that new friendships can be made at this season of life. The Lord has confirmed that there really are bests yet to come.

As I stood in service this morning, I was very aware of each individual beside and behind me along both rows – a gift and a blessing from the Lord. I was struck with the sense of being “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses”; a new group of believers with hearts for the Lord.

The song lyric that rang out was “Christ be all around me”. I felt surrounded by the people the Lord has sent my way this year; a bigger gift than I imagined and one for which I am eternally thankful.

Men and women – your strength of spirit, your voices raised in praise, your smiles of welcome; your greeting, an absolute delight. When the well of fellowship has been dry for so long, may you know how truly life-giving it is to be received and welcomed. And to build a new friend foundation? That is priceless. To this WFC community, and specifically those in attendance together this morning – thank you. Know that you make a difference, just by being you and showing up.