Katelyn Laidler • Derry Member

The only prospect scarier than moving across the ocean is finding a new church to call home. Leaving our jobs, schools, and established life in England meant a lot of new opportunities for change. One of the most important considerations in our move was to find a church that would get us involved together as a family.  Luckily, Derry has so many opportunities to feel included.

The first area we became involved in was Sunday morning Bible study where a warm cup of coffee and a safe place to have deep conversations was available.  During this time, our daughter, Brooke began to make friendships and music with the kid’s ministry.  As the weeks progressed, it soon became clear that Terrific Tuesdays were an important part of church life.  Unfortunately, we had a clash on Tuesday nights with soccer practice which meant Brooke could only attend a few sessions of Tuesdays last year.  Brooke was so eager to attend Terrific Tuesdays this year that we changed her soccer team to better allow us to come along regularly!  To see Brooke confidently participating in the front of the church with handbells and singing is a testament to the inviting atmosphere Brooke has thrived within.

In addition to Tuesday nights, I have come along to many of the Sunday evening Journey in Prayer sessions where I have been made to feel so welcome.  It has been a fantastic place to get to know many of the women at church on a deeper level.  Austin has attended many of the Derry Dude’s sessions where he has been able to experience ax throwing and fellowship amongst friends and food.  We attended the Corn Roast where happy memories of fishing and mini-golf were made. Vacation Bible School was a chance to invite loved ones to experience God’s love (and act as secret agents).

Coming from Britain it has been a pleasure to see the strong links of Derry Church to Ireland and Scotland. Most recently having the pleasure of meeting David Latimer made Brooke feel at “home.” She remarked that David reminded her of her grandad back in England and was delighted to get a picture with him. This connection and link to our neighbors across the pond has further cemented the sense of community we feel at Derry Church.

It has truly been a pleasure to sense the love, community, and warm welcome that has been shared with us in the last few months. Getting involved has helped us immensely in settling in. We are so excited and grateful we have found a beautiful community to worship alongside. Thank you, Derry, for making us feel welcome!