Why I Belong - Lisa Roberts

A Community of Believers by Lisa Roberts

1983 was a year of life-changing events for me: Our first child was born in May, I quit my 60-plus hour a week job to be a stay-at-home mom, and my husband Bill & I moved to our new, partially-finished log home in Poolesville (built by Bill). My parents had moved from a too large home in Rockville to a smaller ranch-style home in Poolesville earlier that year and started attending church for the first time since moving to Maryland in 1967. They chose to attend Poolesville Presbyterian Church because they had immediately felt accepted and welcomed by the small congregation. I too, felt it was time to return to church, so in January of 1984, I first walked through the doors at PPC and have been doing so almost every Sunday since (and lots of other days, too!). I must admit that I thought the buildings were a bit dumpy, but the congregation was most welcoming.

I joined PPC that same year and quickly was recruited to teach the preschool class. In the 26 years that I've been a part of PPC, I think I have spent 20 of those years teaching Sunday School and had the pleasure of spending at least one year with every age group! It's been a great way for me to grow my faith - I think that when you're the teacher you often learn more than if you're the one being taught.

I believe it was 1987 when I was first ordained as an Elder - I am currently serving the 1st year of my 4th term on the Session and have had the privilege of learning much about church leadership in a variety of areas: Christian Education, Congregational Care and Fellowship, Clerk of Session, and Worship & Arts. I love having the opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, by singing in choir, playing tone chimes, and bowing my cello now and then.

My children, Sarah and Will, who are now adults, grew up in faith at PPC and I'm blessed to be able to say that they both still participate in various aspects of church life. Although my husband, Bill, rarely attends worship, there have been reports of him on his tractor grading the parking lot, hauling away trash and providing free legal advice.

PPC has experienced some significant growth and change in the past quarter century - in numbers, programs, facilities and outreach. Over the years, there have been times of joy and sorrow, birth and death; both in my personal life and the PPC church family.

Sometimes my faith has faltered; at times I've become disheartened, impatient, and exhausted but I know that our loving God is always present and welcoming me with open arms in the midst of Poolesville Presbyterian Church. I am thankful that God brought our family to this special place - a faithful community of believers who strive to be the church that God wants us to be.