Carmen Francis DeGregorio III is my name, and everything in my life has led me back to Millville, to God, and to pursue Ministry. At this very church, I remember the highlight years of my young life from 2011-2013. What seemed like a world apart from mine at first, to getting saved at Keswick during the happening, and being brave enough to play guitar and sing at Youth Group.
To the many friends I met, and didn’t know previously were so valuable at the time, due to their faith in our awesome God. Feeling like I belonged, and no matter what was weighing on my heart, there was a completeness in this new fellowship.
Both my parents instilled in me and my twin sister a way to be and memories never to forget while they were still here with us. I lost my dad in 2007. I was 12 years old, grew up a little faster, and tried to make sense of what was happening while I was so young. My mother raised my twin sister and me and of course the love and support of family and friends were invaluable during that time.
Eventually, in 2011, a friend from school brought me one night to First Church. I wasn’t alone so many times, and so many wonderful people behind these church doors always reminded me of that. My mother was so happy to see me smile here and beg to go each week, and on all the trips. She had my back and always encouraged my walk with God as a believer. I’ve always been passionate about music as an outlet, and what started as writing my feelings in a journal from my English teacher, during a hard time in my life, grew into something very special.
Worshipping and being so excited to hear God’s word, they always felt connected to what I was going through as a teenager. I lost my mother before my 18th birthday and graduation, and around the same time, my Youth Pastor was retiring. I felt like I had already lost so much, and maybe I was supposed to move on in the world. A lot changed in my personal life, and I joined the workforce for 5 years, before I served in the U.S. Army as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic, serving from 2018-2021 honorably. I wasn’t sure who
I was anymore and suddenly in my moment of question, there was a spark in me. I was home on leave from the Army and connected again with my old Youth Pastor. All the memories came flooding back to me and thinking of a time when I was so proud to say I was on Fire for God. I started volunteering and helping lead worship for a youth group in Mullica Hill, and eventually made my way to volunteering in Millville.
Though I was one way before, I am another way now. I decided to get out of the military and work where I could as I began to serve in the capacity I did. I’ve been prioritizing my time from 2021 to this day, to serve, to grow in my faith, and to lead the Youth in the same. I’ve seen the impact in my own life in a positive way and a lasting way. I feel this calling in my life and this purpose, and my real identity through Christ. I’m happy to be back where it all started for me, and to be here for the generations now and to come. Come on out one of these nights and don’t forget to bring your friend with you! Our Youth group and Young Adult Group always have their doors open.
