Faith Story: Robyn McArthur
Thank you for the opportunity to share a part of my faith journey with you this morning. As I listened online to others over the past month, I have found appreciation of the life experience behind every smiling face that I encounter on my Sundays here at Parkminster.
I grew up in Barrie, Ontario in the 90s before the big bust of the GTA (and when Great Canadian Mine Buster was the most impressive view from the side of the 400 N highway). My family attended Collier Street United Church on Sundays, and I have amazing memories of story time at the front of the church before Sunday school. My minister’s name was Rev. Dennis Posno, and every week I would listen to a reflection at the front of church before heading down to play games. I continued on learning about Jesus and popular bible stories in vacation bible school and participated in the youth choir. Most notably, I had an unforgettable role of Granny that showcased my squeaky, out-of-tune vocal talents in a musical called the Secret to My Success.
Growing up in the church was a place of comfort for me, and I did not appreciate its role in my life until I was much older. There is nothing quite like having children of your own to bring you closer to your own childhood. This became so evident as I looked back on my own faith journey and its impact on my adult life.
I guess my understanding of faith up until my early adulthood was fairly surface level. I recall one confirmation class, led by the same Dennis Posno that would share bible reflections before Sunday school. He asked all of us to write down what makes a Christian and how do we know that we are Christian.
This was the first time I was truly puzzled in this class, or any class for that matter at this point in my life. So of course I thought about what answers would be most acceptable or correct. They included things like following the 10 commandments and attending church every Sunday. After presenting our lists, he welcomed our responses and challenged us to think about what makes us worthy in God’s eyes. He shared stories about people in his faith community that were struggling to find Jesus and where faith was uncertain. He spoke about how faith can be restored in knowing the teachings of Jesus and how his death and resurrection can provide hope in dark times. He spoke about how a man struggling with substance addiction and homelessness is worthy God’s love and care.
This brought an a-ha moment in my faith story that made everything clear. I don’t need to be a perfect person to be Christian. God accepts you as you are, and your faith journey can have bumps and turns.
I accepted that my faith and believing in God makes the impossible become possible. That no journey taken is ever truly alone, and God can provide comfort in both the struggle and victory.
When I moved out of the house to attend University in London and Waterloo, Ontario, I found it comforting to find a cozy church and listen to sermons on Sundays. A few of my friends and I even visited here a couple of times about 15 years ago.
I met my husband Shane during this time of my life. After we settled in Waterloo, we started attending different churches to find a good fit for our family. Our first Sunday as a family in Parkminster felt familiar for me and comforting for both of us. The congregation was so warm and welcoming, and my girls enjoyed the beautiful music.
On our meeting with Rev. Heather and Joe before having my youngest daughter Chloe baptized, Heather shared that she spent time as a student receiving mentorship from Rev. Dennis Posno. This coincidence seemed more serendipitous. The teachings that were so influential to me as a young adult were now only a degree of separation from having a meaningful impact on my own children. I am so appreciative of the community that we have started to build over our last two years here. Even as a busy family that is not able to attend every week, we look forward to our time here. I look forward to new learnings from Rev. Joe and the
incredible speakers of this church community. My hope is that my girls will grow in faith and appreciate the value of their time spent in this space.
My faith story has only just begun and so I look forward to continuing my journey with you at Parkminster. Thanks for listening!