Just like coming home! Wendy’s journey back to Community of Christ after 50 years

After 50 years away, Wendy felt a growing pull to reconnect with the congregation she had known as a child in St. Thomas, Ontario. She wondered whether anyone would remember her, and why the church had changed its name to Community of Christ. What she found was more than answers—she discovered something she had been missing in her life.

By Wendy Jacklyn of St. Thomas, ON

My “church” story began approximately 60 years ago. As a young girl, my mother always saw to it that my siblings and I went to Sunday School every Sunday. We attended the small Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Balaclava Street in St. Thomas, Ontario.

In 1968, at the age of 11, I was baptized and confirmed. A few years later, around age 16, I decided I didn’t want to attend Sunday School anymore, so I stopped going. That was the beginning of my 50-year absence!

Fast forward to about two years ago. My husband and I had moved back to St. Thomas to retire in 2013. Every now and then I’d think about my old church and drive by the building for old times’ sake. The building is still there, although now renovated into a home. A new church had been built on Fairview Avenue, and because of some changes, the name had become Community of Christ.

Over the past 3–4 years, my urge to check out the new church grew stronger. I was curious to see if anyone I remembered would still be there and to learn why the name had changed. Then, as our pastor, Elder Don Millard, calls it… “Divine Engineering” happened!

I was sitting at home on my iPad and noticed on Facebook that the church would be holding a Christmas Bazaar in mid-November. I’ve always thought bazaars were fun and toyed with the idea of dropping in just for old times’ sake. When the day came, I felt absolutely drawn and pulled toward the church.

As I walked around the social hall, I asked one of the vendors if anyone from the church was there. I mentioned I had been a member of the congregation 60 years ago. Before I could stop him, the vendor went to tell the pastor that I was there. Within a couple of minutes, I saw a familiar face — Don Millard. I was still wearing a mask, but as soon as I told him my maiden name, he gave me the biggest smile and a hug. Not only did he remember me as a young girl, but he also remembered my mom and shared that he had known my whole family and even spent time at our house with my older siblings. I felt like I had come home.

We chatted for several minutes, reminiscing about the old days. It was wonderful! Before I left, Don invited me to attend Sunday service. I explained that I had a commitment that week but promised I would attend the following Sunday. I also admitted that I wasn’t sure what I believed, but I knew something was missing from my life. Don understood and said, “That’s fine.”

The next week, I attended church. I recognized a few other names and faces. It was just like coming home! What a wonderful feeling. Don welcomed me back during the service, and others made a special point of saying they remembered my family.

Fast forward to today. I go to church every opportunity I get. While a bi-weekly commitment keeps me from attending weekly, I still make it 2–3 times a month. I love the services and get so much out of them! I’m like a sponge and soak up everything I can. Now and then, I’ve been asked — and now volunteer — to say the Prayer for Peace. That particular prayer always speaks to me.
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I’m so very happy to be back, and I thank the Lord and Pastor Don Millard every day that I am.