Introducing Lisa Carr Smith!

My name is Lisa Carr Smith. I grew up in the United Methodist Church at Berlin. My

twin brother and I were baptized there as infants. I met new friends starting at age

three, when I began attending Sunday School (I have a LONG pin to show for it!). I was

confirmed as an adolescent on Christmas Eve. My husband and I were married in the

church on a hot summer day that featured a storm that left us all in the dark. The

church in Berlin is truly my heart’s home, even though my actual home now is in

Williamsburg, Virginia.

Before the COVID pandemic, I was able to attend services when we were visiting in

Berlin, only a few times a year. That challenging time was when the miracle of

technology changed everything for me. Since UMCB began streaming weekly services,

I have been able to be a regular attendee right from my own living room via YouTube.

You can find us at: United Methodist Church at Berlin YouTube. I especially enjoy the

scripture readings, the messages, and the lovely music provided by Dianna, Rachel,

and our talented choir. What a joy to share my faith journey with my church family and

friends and to have them share their journeys with me!

It has also been very meaningful to me to be able to receive Communion from my

home. UMCB offers what I jokingly call, “Communion To Go.” Communion kits,

consecrated by the pastor, are available to those attending from a distance. I pick up

mine when I’m in Berlin, but the kits can be delivered or sent in the mail as well.

The words I spoke during my confirmation have always stuck with me. I promised to

support the church through my prayers, my presence, my gifts, and my service.

Technology has allowed me to fulfill the promise of presence, and it has also allowed

me to fulfill my promise of service. Many of our church committees meet in a hybrid

form—some members attending in person and some attending via Zoom. In this way, I

am able to serve with fellow church members on the Finance Committee, the Pastor

Staff Relations Committee, and the Administrative Council. Though distance means I

can’t do the same kinds of work that local members do, I have found that I can provide

other kinds of assistance and can offer something of value.

The purpose in sharing my experiences is to let everyone know that you can reap these

rewards, too. There are many ways to belong! Maybe life has taken you far away from

the Taconic Valley, or maybe you never lived here but have found us, nonetheless.

Maybe you have health issues, face challenges that keep you from coming to church in

person, or simply prefer online involvement. No matter what your circumstance, our

pastor and our congregation are committed to welcoming you, to valuing you, and to

providing for your spiritual needs. I encourage you to reach out and let us know who

you are and how we can facilitate your virtual connection with our church. We are

looking forward to “seeing” you soon!