Good Shepherds
Deborah Hubbs, long time First English Lutheran Church member, first came to Richmond in the early 1970’s so her husband, George who is now deceased, could attend Virginia Commonwealth University. Deborah was a confirmed Lutheran and George, a catholic, agreed to attend a Lutheran Church with her. In time they became members of First English.
A few years after joining First English, Deborah and George agreed to take in his sister’s 4 children to live with them for a while. Deborah was faced with expanding the family living space to accommodate their family of 3 plus 4 more children.
“The church as a community really stepped in to help,” Deborah shared. Charlie Schumann, head of the Sunday school, found a set of bunk beds for them, and others provided meals, clothing, other needed items. The move became permanent and “With a full-time job and 5 kids to raise, I could not have done it without the help and support of my church family,” she said.
“Pastor Byerly was particularly supportive. They had us all over to dinner many times and offered prayers and encouragement. Pastors like Pastor Byerly and others are shepherds and to them the congregation, their flock, comes first.”
Deborah remains a vital part of this ministry we share. First English is in the city for good. It is a gathering place for people to find safe haven whatever befalls them.
A few years after joining First English, Deborah and George agreed to take in his sister’s 4 children to live with them for a while. Deborah was faced with expanding the family living space to accommodate their family of 3 plus 4 more children.
“The church as a community really stepped in to help,” Deborah shared. Charlie Schumann, head of the Sunday school, found a set of bunk beds for them, and others provided meals, clothing, other needed items. The move became permanent and “With a full-time job and 5 kids to raise, I could not have done it without the help and support of my church family,” she said.
“Pastor Byerly was particularly supportive. They had us all over to dinner many times and offered prayers and encouragement. Pastors like Pastor Byerly and others are shepherds and to them the congregation, their flock, comes first.”
Deborah remains a vital part of this ministry we share. First English is in the city for good. It is a gathering place for people to find safe haven whatever befalls them.