Snapshots of Sarah

We love having a daughter. She has brought such JOY to our family! I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil. 1:3

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Stay-At-Home-Mom

Oh yes! I've made the decision not go back to work. I never imagined myself staying at home full-time. I had always planned on going back to work, but I guess it's one of those things you just can fully understand until after the baby comes. This is my first official week at home. They made the formal announcement at church on Sunday. Here's the note that our Pastor published in this weeks Pointer (electronic newsletter):

This past Sunday Mary Margaret Mitterling, our Director of Volunteer Ministries, announced she is stepping down from that role to become a stay at home mom. Mary is one of the original architects of BPF. After serving as Student Intern during our church's inaugural summer, Mary returned after college graduation a few months later to serve full time as Student Minister. Mary's life changes have mirrored BPF's growth.

In addition to Student Ministry, she helped establish one of our first Small Groups targeting 20-somethings where she met her eventual husband, Nathan. Eventually her interests broadened and Mary changed positions at BPF to become Director of Volunteer Ministries. She's done a tremendous job organizing ministries and helping people find their unique shape for service.

At the mark of her 5th Anniversary this past January Mary chose to go part time in preparation for maternity leave. Though she anticipated a return to work after the birth of Sarah Grace, the pull to stay home was greater than she expected. Mary's decision was one that most moms who have worked outside the home struggle with. Do I go back to work full time or part time…do I want to keep working? Do I want to stay home? Each woman's circumstances are different. There's no universal answer, just like there's no-one-size-fits-all shape for ministry. For a very driven young lady, the prayerful answer was a surprise – stay home.

Though I will miss your presence on our staff deeply Mary, I support you in your decision and wish you the same success at home nurturing a family you experienced here at BPF building a new church.

Pastoring a church where nothing stays the same for long is a challenge, but it's also exciting to see where God will take us next.
Greg

A note from Mary Margaret...The past 5 years of working at Brazos Pointe, have been great. I have loved being a part of our leadership team. We are blessed to have such an incredible team leading our church. They have challenged me to grow as a leader and in my walk with the Lord. I really appreciate their support of my decision. I will miss working alongside them in the office, but I am looking forward to being a volunteer. Thanks!
Mary Margaret

5 Comments:

Blogger Ang said...

I'm so excited for you that you are able to stay at home since that's what you want to do. I wish so badly that I could make Houston apart of my road trip but I have a road trip companion and I have already promised her something on Sunday and we don't leave until Saturday. However, have I told you that my parents live in Epworth, GA now, 15 min from BlueRidge. Can you believe it? Anyway, chat with you later.

July 12, 2007 at 8:45 AM  
Blogger The Hartzog's said...

What a touching write up!! MM, I cannot tell you how blessed your life will be staying at home w/ your little one. It is a tough decision especially when you have a job that you LOVE, but you will be forever rewarded. Congrats on your decision and welcome to the club:)

July 12, 2007 at 9:29 AM  
Blogger The Hudgins said...

mm,
i love staying at home with J. when i went back to work when he was 3-6 months it was the worst decision i ever made. may God bless your family as you carry out this decision. I'm excited for you! there are some tough days being at home, but extremely rewarding.

July 12, 2007 at 9:41 AM  
Blogger Bethany O'Bryant said...

Major props to the new STAHM (Stay at home mom) It's not always easy, but I wouldn't trade these last three years for the world. Time with our babies is so short anyway!! Sounds like you did so much already and God has some rockin new adventures for you! By the way she is totally beautiful, I mean absolutely gorgeous!
Bethany

July 23, 2007 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger Tommy said...

Cool blog. I have to say I am amazed MM has a blog. Not so amazed about Nathan though.

August 9, 2007 at 5:57 PM  

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