Stewardship is an important part of our faith as Christians. Jesus speaks frequently about money because of the important role it plays in our relationship with God. It's not about how much we have, but about our willingness to give a portion back to God in obedience and trust. Let's take a look at Tracy Choroco's Testimony!
What made Maitland Presbyterian Church a home for you?
Maitland Presbyterian Church is a home for me because it's been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. I went to preschool here and my grandparents were both elders of the church. My mom and dad attend as well, and I was baptized here recently!I've been made to feel like family by the pastors here and all of the members. It's been a big part of my heart since I was young.
Is there one person who helped you feel more at home and why?
The person who has made me feel the most at home at church has been Megan. I had a lot of questions coming into my faith as an adult, and she really helped me with those. She listened to me and answered all my questions, and helped to explain things to me in a way that I could understand. I never felt judged or misunderstood for all the questions that I had about coming into my faith. Megan has been a big, important part of my journey here.
Out of these three words, refuge, hospitality and belonging, which one stands out the most?
I feel all of those here at Maitland Pres, but the one that sticks out to me the most is belonging. Growing up not being a believer, I alwaysfelt a little bit on the outskirts. Coming into a church where I felt like I belonged, even though I didn't necessarily grow up believing meant a lot to me. Both Megan and Dave have allowed me to ask a lot of the questions that I needed to ask, and have given me a lot of tools. They have helped me study and research on my own, and gave me a place where I felt like I belong. This is home.
What made you a believer?
I met someone through my work who was a strong believer, also in the Presbyterian faith and when I looked at her and when I was around her, I thought, "It's kind of hard not to believe in Jesus when you see someone that lives it out so well in their life." Those small meetings with that individual set me on a path to start learning more. This world that we live in is difficult and there's a lot of ugly things in it.I really was looking for something that was more positive and kind and would shine a light on myself in the world. The mission that we have here to "love like Jesus" really spoke to me because that's how I want to treat others, that's how I want people to treat those around them in the world. All those things together lead me to becoming a believer and then lead me here as a member of Maitland Pres.