Testimony Sharing from Patty Reeves
I am Patty Reeves and I have been a member of First United Methodist Church for 50 years. My life began in WVA where I had been born and brought up in church, being raised by Christian parents who knew the importance of their children knowing Christ. When I went on to college at West Virginia Wesleyan I met my future husband Jim who was from Millville. After his service in Vietnam we moved to Millville where we lived at his family homestead on 2nd Street which was right next to the former church parsonage for 1st Church. Jim had been a member of this church since he was a teenager. He often talked about his youth group and how much it meant to him.
One day a lady from First Church rang our door bell. It was Sue Nelson and she was inviting me to come to church. I was thrilled someone had reached out to me because I knew very few people— I was new to town!
I also was a new mother with a 2 month old daughter. Jim and I both saw it as important that we would raise our children to be Christians so the next Sunday we went to church, and the rest is history. I joined the church 2 months later. Soon I was asked to be a Sunday School teacher. This opened my eyes to how much I loved working with children, having 3 children of my own. Needless to say God was guiding me to my lifetime profession, as well. I went on to become a public school teacher for 25 years. Over those years I also taught Sunday School and Bible School.
My life as a Christian was growing and I was willing to serve. Pastor Parish, Missions, Nominations, Jack and Jill Nursery, Shine Ministries, Junior High youth director, and Visitation were committees I served on. I also found time to be a choir member for 11 years. Truly I love my church family and all that First Church is as a community beacon, welcoming people to come and be a part of God’s work.
Many members over many years of faithful service and support have made our church what it is today. God’s word has spread throughout our community and throughout the world. Helping hands to meet the needs of others! Thank you to past and present First Church members who have served faithfully and provided a loving, giving church.
Please consider giving your support by praying for our church, by physically using your God given talents, and by giving monetarily in order that our church may continue to serve as it has for over 153 years. The physical church is just a building, but it is the people that make it come alive. Your help will give faith, hope, and love to all people.
Our Future of Greatness depends on our congregation remaining strong and focusing on the needs of others. May we all use our talents to help others know God and His son Jesus, through our love and care. We are the Church with God’s people doing His will! May you be a part of our church spreading God’s love here and around the world!
