The Time When Church Went to You

On the first Sunday of October, The Shepherd's House met for the second time in our regular place of worship at Bad Apple Pub in Howard, Ohio. 

While preaching and presiding over the Eucharist, I noticed one of the workers pop into the service. This is not uncommon to see a few workers here and there since there are several prepping the restaurant and bar for a noontime opening. This worker came out and watched for bit, then went back into the kitchen area. And, she did so several times.

Melissa is in the maroon shirt flanked by Hank to her right, and Sonya, Vinnie, and Tristan. Phil and Lauren are photobombing in the back. (Oct 2, 2016 The Shepherd's House Church of the Nazarene, Bad Apple Pub campus

After the service, I saw Sonya talking to her. After a bit, Sonya filled me in. What a story! Her name is Melissa and she caught up to me before we finished packing up. She told me and a few others standing outside on the veranda, about how she once died. 

It was a major car accident not far from where we were standing a few years prior. The EMTs reported she lost consciousness, and a pulse. They were able to get her heart started, and she regained consciousness. She wanted to get her life right with God. 

She worked all the time, like every day, and could not get time away from work to attend church.

A couple of weeks ago, Nikki, the co-owner of Bad Apple Pub, told Melissa, "Guess what? The church is coming to you." 

​And, we did.