The Mitchells

• Paul

  I packed up the kids and I was headed to church ...

  l had no idea which one I would go to but I decided that day that I was going. I had never really attended church. For 37 years I thought that religion was not for me and my doubts and judgements heavily outweighed any potential benefits that I supposed I would find. So what was I doing? Why was I going? There were no critical issues with my life that were pushing me out the door. I was happy in marriage with two kids, gainfully employed and while I would rate my life as content, there was something missing. I had this overwhelming thought that things were cold and mechanical and all behavior was relative. It was like I had lost my compass and even worse I had no real urge to seek the North Star, it seemed pointless. I felt that somehow the world had lost all of its enchantment, and the wonder and joy of the little things had somehow dimmed with it.

  It was right around the same time that some one told me that when people aren't honest with themself, they can no longer discern the difference between their conscience and their desires and that the inevitable consequence is a fractured spirit. So immediately in response, I made the decision not to lie. Slowly I realized all the ways I had bent the world to achieve my . personal goals and how that was the source of a lot of unnoticed conflict inside me. It was then I realized that, because I had deceived myself so thoroughly, I couldn't do it alone and I needed to seek help. So I headed out with my two boys that day and started going to a Baptist church in my community. I had no knowledge of anything related to different denominations. I hardly knew what the term Protestant meant. I felt very comfortable at this church and there were no major issues or falling outs that led me to continue my quest. In hindsight i! Was a longing to find the the fullness of Christ-the teachings of the Church Fathers; the rich tradition and rituals; the beauty of icons and the connection to the full truth of Christs message. So I looked for an English speaking Orthodox Church and reached out to Father Christian by email about a visit to St George's when I found it. I packed up both my boys again and we headed out. Since my first day I knew that Christ was here in fullness.

  By the grace of God and the acceptance of his son Jesus Christ and his all holy and life-creating Spirit I have been renewed. I am here today as a testament to the fact that anyone can find their way to Christ if I did. It is still a bit of a struggle and I'm still far from a Saint but through the guidance of The Holy Trinity, the Theotokos, the Church Fathers, Father Christian and help from fellow parishioners and the catechumens, I know that I will continue to seek God's will and long to live by His word and maintain faithfulness to his commandments.

  Lord Jesus son of God. Have mercy on me a sinner.

  PM
  Those who know ''why" can bear any "how".

• Wynn

  Hey!

  I'm Wynn Mitchell, if we haven't met yet. I started to come to St. George with my Dad, Paul. We've been coming here for about three years, and I'm not shy, so you've probably seen me around.

  I don't really remember my first day at church. Dad said I mostly rolled around on the floor and kept asking when it would be over. But I do remember from the start really loving the icons. They made me feel like I was supported and not alone. I told some kids at school about them, and none of them knew what icons were. I think we're really lucky to have such cool and beautiful icons here at St. George.

  After coming to church with Dad for a while, I started Sunday School. It was awesome to meet new friends, and I loved singing with the children's choir. I wanted to be an altar server, so Dad said I should talk to Father Cristian about it. Father Cristian said if I wanted to join the church and be baptized, I needed to come every week leading up to Pascha and start learning more about Christ at home.

  I realized there's no other place I'd rather be on Sundays. I didn't miss other stuff like hockey/TV and was happy to be at church, even if sometimes when I'm tired I still wonder when it will be over. Knowing now that I love being at church more than other things I used to enjoy makes me happy to know that I made the decision to come with my Dad.

  I got baptized last Pascha, and finally, I got to serve in the altar. I remember how different it looked from behind the lconostasis. It felt like a whole new part of the church opened up, and it was really special to be part of it. I'm excited to be so close to God and to help with the service.

  Joining St. George has been amazing. I was so happy to learn that I can handle the challenges I face by remembering Jesus is always with me. The thought of what he went through helps me keep going when things are rough.

  If you read this and we haven't met then please come up and say "Hi" sometime, I love meeting new people and . look forward to getting to know my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

  God bless!