On July 23, 2005, I had lunch with a dear friend. Though we hadn’t seen each other for forty years, we enjoyed exchanging memories of teenage angst, dealing with parents, friends, high school graduation and, of course, the Prom. We had been kindred spirits, sharing a love of God and of each other in friendship. After high school, life sent us on separate paths. Over the years we had spoken by telephone on occasion, but had never reconnected until now.

What struck me most about my friend was an innate sense of spirituality and awareness of God in our lives. My friend had joined the Episcopal Church four years ago. I asked how I could learn about this Church which seemed quite different from the Roman Catholic Church we had endured throughout childhood. It was suggested that I visit several Episcopal Churches in my neighborhood and so began one of the greatest moments in my life, finding my way back to the Church after thirty years of absence.

Looking for general information, I visited several websites and chose three Churches on the Westside. It wasn’t until I landed at Saint Augustine by the Sea that my church shopping ended and my roaming days were over! I was at Home! Through the parishioners and clergy at Saint A’s, I learned the meaning of the message of the sign on the Church, “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You!”

My first visit to Saint A’s was not without a hitch or two. After fighting Market Day traffic and parking, I learned that Saint A’s is open on Sunday only and for early Market Day Mass. A nice lady in the office, however, whom I now know as Carrie, welcomed me and allowed me to sit in the Church alone. I picked up the Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal, began to pray and thought this feels right. The following Sunday found me at early morning Service and the Blessing of the Animals. I remember thinking that a Church which allows animals in the aisles, and has a rector who multi-tasks teaching the parishioners and petting the animals is the Church for me. With each subsequent visit to Saint A’s, I was thinking it just keeps getting better. I was waiting for the curtain to close and the lights to go out, but faith told me that the Light was leading me forward on a journey and the parishioners and clergy would help me.

Kid’s Day, in particular, has been very special because it gives me a chance to get to know the children.

I had decided that Christmas for Rose this year would be about children. It is so neat to see the kids take responsibility for the grown-up church activities. And how special it is to hear Deacon Pat give a sermon to the children and “allow” the adults to listen to the honesty of the children as they answer questions posed to them. The children, after all, they are our future.

Parish breakfasts have been another opportunity to get to know members of Saint A’s. And the hosts and hostesses won’t even allow me to help clean up. No way!!! How generous is that, just good conversation and good food to be had by all.

My thoughts began to turn inward. I had renewed my Baptismal vows and felt more an integral part of the Services. I had so much to learn, I had to re-think what I felt about community. So much had been lost in thirty years and so much now was to be found. It happened to be Stewardship time and I was impressed by Hartshorn’s sermon regarding the three ways of giving, time, talent and money. He also mentioned that giving should be to the Church, to each other as parishioners and to the local community. And so I began to inquire about opportunities to give time and talent.

Because Bill had been the first gentleman to welcome me to Saint A’s, I was comfortable asking him if I could help as an Usher. At about this time, Sheila suggested that I train with Cat to be a member of the Altar Guild. Cat just happened to be the first woman to welcome me at Saint A’s. I inquired about work in the community and joined the Friends of the Neighborhood Youth Association because the organization works with children. At this time I offered to help with Susan Tree to not only help the children of NYA, but also to get to know more of my fellow parishioners. I felt so humbled to be allowed to assist with these activities through the Church and for the children.

The Advent Program helped me be better prepared for the birth of Our Lord. Through the little prayers which Laura shared with the participants during the Program, I became determined to “choose Christmas”, to open a door within me and hope. After the Program, the labyrinth took me on a journey that brought me to the very center of my being and back out again. How blessed was I to share this journey with my fellow parishioners. I felt ready to welcome Jesus back into my life, knowing full well that He had always been there, had I heeded His voice.