Ever since The Way group began, we agreed on a soft start time—feel free to grab a coffee, have a conversation, and settle in before we dive in together. No worries. There’s a chair for you whenever you arrive and whatever state you’re in. This type of close bond is exactly what I was searching for as a new season of life began, and I started to look for a new church home.
Over time, our little group grew and grew. We changed the start time and the location, but the heart of the group didn’t change. We went from being acquaintances to friends to something more profound than that. In fact, what was at first my church home became my church family. Now it’s the place where everybody knows my name (just like the Cheers song!). They know I am a mess, and they love me anyway.
Not only have I found a place to belong, but I’ve also found a place to grow. People of all ages and backgrounds gather for our group on any given Sunday. We’ve lived through many changes and seasons of life together. The group might say it starts at 9:30, but we all know that life is messy and that it’s never too late to join in. Together, we dive into Scripture, peeling back the layers and figuring out what the Word looks like when applied to our chaotic lives. We pray together, walk together, correct each other, and cheer each other on.
I’ve learned that showing up—honestly and regularly—matters. Because of the bond we’ve formed, we stay connected, even when people come and go. When we see each other outside of church, we exchange genuine smiles because we know each other. We’re growing together in God’s family, and it feels like home. Unlike Cheers, our bond isn’t found just in shared struggles but in the hope that God is shaping something beautiful in us. Schweitzer offers many ways to walk with Jesus and find community. If you haven’t found a home yet, simply trust and remain open—there’s a place for you. Jesus has a seat waiting. We would love for you to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:30…ish!