What CUMC has meant for our Family - (Sept 14, 2008)

Good Morning -my name is Matt Tryniski.  Everett asked me to say a few words about What Cicero United Methodist Church Has Meant for Our Family.

My wife Cris Ann and I, along with our 3 children, have been members of the Cicero United Methodist Church family for about 12 years now.

We both agree that from the moment we walked through the doors, we had found something special.

For most of our time here, Everett has been our minister. He has ministered to our family for just about every major life event:

• Our wedding in March of 1999

• Ministering to Cris Ann's entire family during the final days of her father's life - and then conducting a beautiful memorial service in his honor

• Baptizing our daughter, Megan

• Confirming our sons, Eric and Conor

• Blessing our new home

• And even praying along with Conor when our beloved dog, Coby, passed away many years ago

Serving this congregation in these ways, is just part of what makes Everett and Jack wonderful pastors - Leading worship services is another. 

Everett and Jack sometime joke in their sermons about hoping they are not putting people to sleep, but I think we can all agree that this just isn't possible.

Their sermons are easy to listen to, applicable to our daily lives, and meaningful in many ways.

And while Everett and Jack are wonderful, a church isn't just about two people. 

Cris Ann and I are so fortunate to have found a place where our children can benefit from the compassion, and caring spirit of this church family. 

There have been many times they have witnessed people in crisis receiving the help they need. 

Whether it be preparing a meal, making a phone call, sending a card, saying a prayer, or getting involved in mission work, they are learning valuable lessons of faith and love, that they may rarely see elsewhere in their daily lives.

We have been on the receiving end of this as well.  We will never forget the many cards, phone calls, prayers and visits we received when Cris Ann's father was going through his final days. 

After one particularly difficult day, looking up and seeing Barb Carns walking down the hallway at the hospital - just there to visit and share in prayer - brought a tremendous amount of comfort to us all.  We knew our church family was there with us every step of the way.

Twelve years ago, we found not only a place that provides a strong foundation of faith for our entire family - we found a home.

Thank you