God Sighting: Making a Difference

Making a Difference

Michaela, a longstanding member of Sheridan, a few months ago made a beeline to Pastor Greg in the Great Hall. She wanted to tell him about a family situation, both beautiful and tragic. It all began when she learned that a longtime family friend had died by suicide. In the midst of her shock and grief, Michaela knew she also had to support her children, a son (15) and daughter (12). These kinds of conversations are always tricky for a parent, so Michaela sat down with her son and began with the facts, but then moved to how to help him respond – especially in the face of those around him who might look to him for support. As a 15 year old, the fine line between managing one’s own emotions and being ready, with not much experience, to support others, is tough.

As she talked with her son, Michaela was blown away by his response. When talking about what he might say to anyone who needs support, her son said, “Mom, I’ve got this.” He opened up his phone and found a photo of a slide from the Confirmation Learning Academy Class. The class, “The Question of Why?” was taught by Pastor Greg and explored God’s presence and role in tragedy. In that class, he showed a slide of “the best things to say when someone is grieving.” Michaela was amazed, as her son had taken a photo of the slide and was set with what he needed.

So back to the Great Hall conversation… Michaela, with glistening eyes, made her point very clearly. “If you ever want to know if your ministry is making a difference, think about a 15 year old, who has kept a photo in his phone of how to help someone who is grieving – a photo he took more than three years ago.”

Indeed, this is the work of the church and the nature of Sheridan’s ministry. If you want to be part of a place that offers life-transforming, real-world ministries that apply to life, then come and immerse yourself in this amazing community.