H7 Story: A Full Circle Moment
When Volker and Birgit Kemmann first visited FCC's Greeneville Campus, they were greeted by a friendly face: Rick Mearns, who had faithfully served on the Guest Team for many years. Rick immediately made them feel welcome and at home. When they returned the following Sunday, Rick was there once again, and this time, he even remembered how to pronounce their names correctly. That simple gesture meant so much to the Kemmanns. They felt seen, known, and valued.
In 2022, Volker, Birgit, Rick, and his wife Karen were all part of the South Greene Campus launch. Today, all three faithfully serve on the Guest Team, extending that same warmth and hospitality to others who walk through FCC's doors.
In 2022, Volker, Birgit, Rick, and his wife Karen were all part of the South Greene Campus launch. Today, all three faithfully serve on the Guest Team, extending that same warmth and hospitality to others who walk through FCC's doors.
Over the past several months, Rick has been spending time in Alabama caring for his aging parents. While grateful to be there for his family, he has deeply missed his FCC church family.
A few weeks ago, Rick's father passed away. When Birgit learned about the funeral, which would take place nearly eight hours away in Alabama, she suggested to Volker that they make the trip to support Rick and his wife, Karen, during this difficult time.
Without hesitation, they made the long journey to be there for their friends.
During the visit, Volker and Birgit had the opportunity to meet Rick's family and share how much his kindness had meant to them when they first visited FCC. Rick later reflected, "It was nice for my family to hear that I am serving my church and helping others become comfortable so they can hear the Word of God."
Rick also shared how much it meant to look up during such a difficult time and see familiar faces from home.
It was a beautiful full-circle moment. Years earlier, Rick had been the first friendly face to welcome Volker and Birgit into an unfamiliar church. Now, when Rick was far from home and walking through a season of grief, Volker and Birgit were the familiar faces showing up for him.
What began as a simple act of hospitality grew into a friendship rooted in Christ's love.
A few weeks ago, Rick's father passed away. When Birgit learned about the funeral, which would take place nearly eight hours away in Alabama, she suggested to Volker that they make the trip to support Rick and his wife, Karen, during this difficult time.
Without hesitation, they made the long journey to be there for their friends.
During the visit, Volker and Birgit had the opportunity to meet Rick's family and share how much his kindness had meant to them when they first visited FCC. Rick later reflected, "It was nice for my family to hear that I am serving my church and helping others become comfortable so they can hear the Word of God."
Rick also shared how much it meant to look up during such a difficult time and see familiar faces from home.
It was a beautiful full-circle moment. Years earlier, Rick had been the first friendly face to welcome Volker and Birgit into an unfamiliar church. Now, when Rick was far from home and walking through a season of grief, Volker and Birgit were the familiar faces showing up for him.
What began as a simple act of hospitality grew into a friendship rooted in Christ's love.
This is what it means to be the church. Sometimes it looks like greeting someone at the door, remembering their name, and helping them feel at home. Other times, it looks like driving eight hours to sit beside a grieving friend.
Both remind us that the love we extend to others has a way of coming full circle.
Both remind us that the love we extend to others has a way of coming full circle.
Posted in Tell the Story