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Peter DeSaix, Immediate Past Junior Warden

Have you ever wondered about what actually goes on at the Chapel of the Cross -- besides scheduled church services I mean? To get some idea, stop by the church office and look over the list of what is scheduled for each day of the week. These are the things we know about in advance. They include activities such as the Preschool; English as a Second Language; the Girl Scouts (two troops); the Boy Scouts; Alcoholics Anonymous; Al-Anon; Narcotics Anonymous; Survivors of Incest Anonymous; Episcopal Youth Community; Episcopal Campus Ministries; Inter-Faith Council Women's Group; Education For Ministry; Stephen Ministries; the training, junior, senior, parish, and compline choirs; and the Mary Harris Bible Study group. Add to these the non-scheduled activities including the daily use of the campus center by various students and groups, ad hoc meetings of committees and friends in the parlor or library, a moment of comfort and safety for those passing through, and the opportunity for quiet contemplation, forgiveness, and thanksgiving. By the way, there is also a dedicated staff, scattered though they may be, that choreographs these varied activities and helps us toward our mission as a parish.

As this list of activities screams out, these facilities provide an infrastructure for growing our outreach to our communities and our 'in reach' to our parish.

As stewards of these facilities, we choose to put them to use rather than burying them for safekeeping. As stewards of these facilities, we know they will be used, abused, and in constant need of maintenance. As stewards of these facilities, we know we must not neglect them nor let them fall into disrepair. As stewards of these facilities, we know they provide a safe, comforting, and nurturing environment not only for our selves but also for our communities -- town and gown. As parishioners, we acknowledge our obligation to be good stewards of these facilities, just one of God's many gifts.

© 2001: Chapel of the Cross