I thank my God every time I remember you.
Philippians 1:3
I arrived at Arborlawn in August of 2009. Ground had been broken for a new Sanctuary, but that was it. We were still worshipping in the old brick Sanctuary with the A-frame roof. Chancel Choir either sat on rickety risers in front of the Chancel – or climbed the stairs to the balcony near the organ to sing. The sun would shine in through the stained glass windows during service. I hadn’t been here long when someone walked me into the Sanctuary to show me the window that represented the church roof. From the balcony we could see the sun shine in and seem to illuminate Verne like a halo during morning worship.
When the construction crew arrived and dirt began to be moved, it was thrilling. We weren’t allowed on the construction site – but I remember standing on the edges looking in. . . trying to imagine what Arborlawn was going to become. I remember the special Sunday morning when folks were allowed onto the site to write prayers and Scriptures on the huge steel beams that would become the supports of the Sanctuary. I remember laying a canvas labyrinth on the concrete floor of the new Sanctuary and letting the 11 th Grade Leadership class walk and dream in the space – the walls were still open and the Holy Spirit blew across the room as a beautiful breeze. I remember the crowd that assembled in the neighborhood to “Look for the Light” when the tower was lit to let us know that we would worship in the Sanctuary for the first time! I remember Chancel Choir singing in the new Sanctuary on that very night – we sang “Come Thou Fount” and “Come Dwell in Solomon’s Walls”. We sang and cried and were amazed at the beauty around us. I remember the organ wasn’t finished yet, so Jerry and I played everything as duets on the Steinway piano.
Not long after we moved into the Sanctuary we hosted Annual Conference. Do you remember the green Arborlawn shirts that all of the volunteers wore? I was so impressed with our people – it was like an army of hospitality and love rolled onto the campus, serving in every way imaginable!
I remember sacred moments too. Kneeling for Communion and feeling God’s presence. Candles being lit at the prayer rail and prayers offered at Hope for the Holiday services. Funerals and memorial services of Arborlawn saints. The awesome beauty of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra playing in the space. The majesty of the brass quintet on Easter Sunday mornings proclaiming that Christ is Risen! The Good Friday service when a huge cross was placed at the front of the Sanctuary and people came forward to nail their prayers and worries and concerns to it. That moment on Christmas Eve when we sing Silent Night and raise our candles symbolizing that Jesus is the light of the world – and that light reflects the beauty of the faces throughout the room.
Here is what I know for sure. God ordained that Arborlawn United Methodist Church be placed on this particular corner, here in Fort Worth, for this particular time. God has always had a plan for us. And the past has been spectacular! God still has a plan for us, and I believe that our future will be continue to be beautiful with worship and music and service and witness. Lives will be changed for better because of the ministry of Arborlawn UMC. Thanks be to God!
Written By: Karen Gossett