Vernon and Deanna Robbins fought Atlanta Sunday traffic for 36 years to attend their previous downtown church. After Vernon’s retirement from Emory University as a religion professor, they decided it was time for a break from the traffic. They began looking for an alternative in their general community. Slowly but surely, suggestions and invitations from friends and acquaintances pointed toward Shallowford.
It was clear to Vernon that something was building after attending an Ash Wednesday service. They enjoyed the music; and felt warmly welcomed when they sat in on a Sunday School class. All were pleasing to them and were the original basis for an optimism that they were finding their next church home.
Indeed, they joined the church in May of 2020—just as the Covid pandemic was exploding! Hope was suddenly eclipsed by disappointment as they now had to experience much of Shallowford via Zoom; the building of relationships seemed suddenly on hold. But serendipitously, this also allowed unique views into the essence of Shallowford. They were impressed by the strong leadership shown by the pastoral team. They decided to sing in the choir despite the risk, and the men’s group invited Vernon to share his theological knowledge in Sunday classes.
These developments were fortuitous in that Vernon was struggling with the novelty of being retired and the unexpected sense of isolation that can come with that.
Vernon shared, “The encouragement I received to actively participate in teaching helped me to focus and summon confidence in knowing I was in the right place and that I was valued in that place.”
This inspiration built on itself to the point that Vernon decided to write a book on “Love in the New Testament”. He felt welcomed, valued, encouraged, and validated even as his Sunday School teachings were delivering those same affirmations to those in his classes.
Vernon has already started his next book. He and Deanna have found the deep sense of community and support that they needed here at Shallowford. They now give as much as they receive!
