June, 2004 Calendar In This Issue: The Source of a Dream: Aloha, Mom, Garcia Marquez, and the Smiles of Children St. A's Goes to the Beach Bible Study at OPCC's Turning Point The Holy Spirit in the Christian Journey Sumer is icumen in 1517-2004: A Long Period of Convalescence Evangelism Episcopal Style… Darlene's Story Dave's Story Education for Ministry Reflections on the Women's Retreat Pat Hendrickson & Kate Lewis Reflect on the Blessing of Their Union Carry Each Other's Burdens

by Darlene Ritz

If you ask them they will come:
It was the first Friday of Lent. I have a group of friends that occasionally get together for dinner on Friday nights. I wasn't feeling particularly social, but something told me to join the group that night. So I went. Somewhere in the evening my friend Dave mentioned that he was planning on seeing "The Passion of the Christ" that week and did anybody want to go. Yes I really wanted to that movie! So we made arrangements. Dave mentioned, casually, that he had wanted to visit a few churches to see if he liked any of the services. I mentioned that Abner and I regularly attend St. Augustine's and would love to have him join us sometime. The dinner conversation drifted to other subjects, as it does in groups, making it difficult to stay on one subject for too long. In the back of my mind I remembered a sermon from Father Murphy saying something to the extent that most people would attend a service if they were asked. So as the meal wrapped up I re-extended the invitation to my friend Dave, saying that we would be attending service that Sunday. He accepted and we made arrangements to meet.

Dave loved our service! In fact, when I saw him the next week to see the movie, he had already called the church to talk to Father Murphy. I did not expect anything to come out of this one little visit so quickly, maybe Dave would enjoy the service, but I didn't think beyond that. Seems he liked it very much. Within a couple of weeks Dave had decided not only to attend our services, but to be baptized. And he asked Abner and I to sponsor him. One of the most joyful baptisms of my life was watching this grown man make the choice to live his life with Christ.

Watching Dave experience this new sense of Christianity has deepened my belief in the power of the Spirit. Dave has always been a kind, generous man. Watching the continued sense of joy and peace that has spread though him has been an inspiration for me to return to my Christianity. I am reminded that Jesus taught us to love one another, to care for each other, and to invite all into his flock. I am truly blessed to be his witness.

Copyright © 2004 St. Augustine by-the-Sea