In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

— Romans 12:5

DeWitt is a beloved part of our church family. He was the first neighborhood kid to meet Rev. Tony Van Zanten, who served at Roseland before me. Seeing nowhere for young people to gather, Rev. Tony threw open the doors of the Roseland Community Center, inviting DeWitt and an entire generation to come in and play basketball and form a community, a family. Over the years, some of those young people moved away, graduated from college, or started businesses. Others died. DeWitt joined the military but returned and settled in next door. For the past 40 years he’s been at Roseland nearly every day.

He has cooked meals, hosted volunteer groups, played the congas in church, and participated in countless games of dominoes at the Drop-In Center. He has also sung in choirs and contributed to our vibrant community life. If you’ve been to Roseland Christian Ministries (RCM), you’ve probably met DeWitt. He’s kind, fun-loving, and has a beautiful tenor voice (similar to that of Luther Vandross).

I’ve learned that DeWitt’s deepest longing is to be loved and belong—which all of us share. Some people find this in their immediate family or in their marriage. DeWitt found it in Christian community at RCM. I’m grateful that we can belong to God together in this place. Thanks be to God.

Father God, thank you for the gift of belonging. In your love we find our true home. Help us to reflect the unity of Christ’s body, where all are welcome. Amen.