Home

​by Regina Dickinson
What makes a home? It seems like a simple question, but the answer is complex. I can quantify my personal sense of home as having changed over the years. My first sense of home was with my family of origin (mother, father, sisters, and dog) and then transitioned to a home with my family (husband, sons). My definition of home has changed over the years, but it has never been an actual structure or place, but more of what is inside the structure. In many ways, homes embody how we live and see ourselves. And these spaces evolve when we focus on what makes us happy. This is sometimes easier said than done, though. It requires reflection and thoughtful choices, but it is a rewarding process. When we create a place that meets our needs and expresses our character, we enrich our lives.
When you walk into some homes, they instantly feel welcoming. And it’s not just because you enjoy the company or admire the decor – although both help. There’s something else. The space feels authentic, a genuine reflection of the person or family who lives there. What is reflected when a new guest or a treasured past member walks through the doors, are they feeling welcome? I know that many feel welcomed, I know because I have seen it time and again.   Prince of Peace is a home.  Over the years, I have seen many new faces at Prince of Peace and I know as our paths diverge and people move to other adventures, that if possible they will be back. I have seen multiple times a member that leaves to a new adventure in life however, who, when in the area, they make it a point to attend Prince of Peace to say hello and have a catch up with friends. This sense of belonging is what makes Prince of Peace truly unique
Throughout the past four years, church council has been asking members of the congregation in differing formats and avenues, what is unique about Prince of Peace? The answers inevitably have to do with the welcoming atmosphere present at Prince of Peace. This welcoming atmosphere is present regardless of pastors, member fluctuation, trends, etc. The reason that POP feels so welcoming is because no matter what may be going on or who may be coming or going everyone at Prince of Peace is genuine and they reflect the fact that Prince of Peace is God’s welcoming space.
The home of POP is knowing one year or twenty since you were last at POP, you will be welcomed with open arms and smiles, makes POP a home. We see ourselves at Prince of Peace as being part of a greater whole, of being part of the Spirit. This sense of belonging with the Spirit is passed to those around us through our simple welcoming gestures, through the peace of home. As we begin to get ready for a new calling of a pastor, let us not forget that Prince of Peace is a home and welcome all who enter. “You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place.”- Anonymous