Four people joined Alger Community Christian Reformed Church in Bellingham, Wash., through baptism and public profession of faith on a Sunday morning in May. But it was not just any four people. It was four generations of the same family.
Carolyn Bradshaw (great-grandmother), Cheryl Janzen (grandmother), Amanda James (mother), and her 4-year-old son, Ayden, all found a church home at Alger CRC.
Carolyn, Cheryl, and Amanda all relocated to the Alger area in 2011 and settled less than a mile from the church. They attended immediately and became involved in various ways, including the music ministry. “We love the church and its people. We wanted to be a part of it, so we became members,” said Carolyn.
All three women are helping raise Ayden and are appreciative of the church members who have embraced him. “[Ayden] is so loved. Several of the ‘grandpas’ in the church, knowing that Ayden is being raised by three women, have taken Ayden as their own grandchild to mentor and bring love to a little boy who needs positive male influence,” said Cheryl.
Other family members came to help celebrate the professions of faith and baptism. “The day we joined the church was amazing,” Cheryl said. “As my mom, Amanda, and I made our profession, Ayden also whispered ‘yes’ to the questions the pastor asked us.”
All four family members have felt hospitality and care from their new church family. “We love the warmth of the church, the way the congregation has embraced us, and the message the pastor brings every Sunday,” said Amanda.
About the Author
Amy Toornstra is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Salem, Oregon.
