View from the Pew, November 2020: The Tice Family is Official!

November 02 2020
November 02 2020
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I remember the first day I drove past Chestnut Hill United Church. The rainbow flag caught my eye, because I grew up in a UCC church and knew that if a church had a rainbow flag outside, it must be associated with the United Church of Christ.

At the time I was a single person living in Philadelphia. I was no longer attending my hometown church, which was an hour away. I so badly wanted to be a part of a church family and to have a place to further my relationship with God.  

After becoming a member and going on to help with the youth, I began to develop deeper connections and friendships. CHUC became a place was that would challenge my thinking and renew my faith.  

Fast forward 5 years: I unexpectedly became a single foster mom to four children ranging from 10 months to 8 years old. I was more thankful than ever for what I had learned in my years at church which would give me the tools to raise these children to be strong and proud and loved by many. My kids are able to witness all kinds of families and people in our church. My children get to see families who look like them, too. It's really beautiful.


One thing that really had an impact on me and my parenting was the workshop hosted by Ovid and Priscilla on Talking to Kids About Race. I also sat in for one of the Our Whole Lives sessions with the youth, which talked about changes in our bodies and all things sex ed. That included sexuality and other important, more progressive ways to guide children to care for and love themselves during such a confusing time for preteens.  

Every sermon stays relevant to our current events. I really love that. I was always conflicted by stale sermons that gave some general guidance that could be applied to any situation. Our church family and pastors really challenge us to really think critically about the ways in which Jesus would want us to live. The sermons, workshops, classes all allow us to use our imaginations to think bigger and open our hearts.

Through my foster and adoption journey, I was able to lean on members for support. I can't explain what a relief it was to feel the support of so many, through childcare, financial gifts, sharing their stories of adoption, or even just listening to me break down during prayer requests. I remember while having a tough day, I thought, " God, if this is what you've given to me, and you feel I'm the right one for this, I know you'll provide me with what I need." God certainly sent me what I needed and continues to through the church. While living through a pandemic, the weekly parent group is really supporting me and helping me get through these uncertain times.

I truly wish for everyone to be able to experience this love.


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