From the Rector
Dear Friends,

This issue of Cross Roads focuses on an important dimension of the Christian life: caring for others. The following pages describe numerous ways the Chapel of the Cross provides for us to give and receive pastoral care. From the earliest days of the Church, that has been a hallmark: “See how these Christians love one another;” and it is still to be our hallmark today.

In this context, I want to make a connection that may not seem obvious, and that is how our times of worship express our care for others. Our services are not merely time for us to come together in a spiritual atmosphere. For our parish to provide inspirational spaces with regular times for liturgy in which people are engaged by word and sacrament in worshipping God and receiving God's love is a great gift to the community. Many times people will seek out a church service because of a crisis in their lives. The care which we as a parish take to provide these prayerful opportunities is a significant expression of our pastoral care. In fact as I was just writing this paragraph (!), a person from the western part of the state who comes to Chapel Hill for several days each week to care for an ailing parent, stopped by the office to say how much it meant to her to participate in our Maundy Thursday service. The beauty of the liturgy, the planning that went into the service, the reverence of those who participated, the skills of those with special roles, all served to minister to her needs as a caregiver away from her family.

She is but one example of those who come to us in faith or seeking faith. Their needs might stem from a recent death or a divorce or the loss of a job. They might be students in a new school, unsure of acceptance and how well things will go. They might be elders, feeling less valued and less able to make a contribution. They might be children feeling pressured to succeed or parents afraid they are failing them. They might be those embittered by resentment they cannot seem to release.  They might be those besieged by poor health or worn down by financial worry. Nor is it only visitors who come in need, seeking the love of God; all of us grapple with the chances and changes of this life.

In worship we minister to one another!  We pray for those in need. We witness to others by our commitment and reverence and participation. We provide solidarity and communion. We give of our financial means for the benefit of others. We smile and welcome fellow worshippers, and we offer them the peace of Christ. Our very presence makes it possible for people to return to their situations strengthened and renewed.

Most of us are unaware of the importance to others of our full presence and participation in church. But think of what it means to you to be surrounded by many others of all generations in a sacred space, praying and singing and worshipping God together. That is a great gift we give to each other and to all who come.  Every time we come to church, we exercise our pastoral care. We live out our love for God and for others.

- Stephen

Vestry Actions

At its April meeting, the vestry:

Accepted Hugh Tilson's resignation from the vestry to participate in a year long internship as part of the Deacon's Formation Program and elected Kevin Trapani to serve the remaining two years of his term

Approved the recommendations of the University Ministry Committee to award the French Scholarship in the amount of $1500 each to Will Allen and Blair Turner and to award the House Scholarship in the amount of $1400 to Wallace Simpson

Approved the recommendations of the Personnel Committee for revisions to health insurance personnel policies 7.6 and 7.6.1 to address the issue of staff and clergy who elect to have health insurance coverage through the employee's spouse's insurance program

Received a report from the Chapel Organ Committee

Received for further study a draft proposal for restructuring the various committees of the vestry

Approved the recommendation of the junior warden for purchase of a table and chairs to outfit room 31 as a small meeting room and the recommendation to repaint and to replace existing hallway carpets in portions of the Battle and Yates buildings, referring the matter to the Finance Committee to determine the sources for the funds necessary to complete these projects.

Learned that classes on the use of the automatic external defibrillator are being planned.

Summer Service Schedule begins June 15, 2003

Sunday Holy Eucharist

8:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

5:15 p.m.

Regular Weekday Services

5:15 p.m., Mon., Tues., and Fri. - Evening Prayer

10:00 a.m., Wednesdays - 1928 Holy Eucharist

5:15 p.m., Wednesdays - Service for Peace and Reconciliation

5:15 p.m., Thursdays - Holy Eucharist

PASTORAL CARE
Vicky Jamieson-Drake

“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and he who loves is born of God and knows God ..  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  1 John 4:7, 11

When thinking about the theology of Pastoral Ministry a scriptural image comes to mind of Jesus' resurrection appearance in John, chapter 21, to Peter and other disciples on the shore of the Galilean Sea.  Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?”  Peter answers three times with increasing intensity, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” And Jesus responds first with “Feed my lambs,” then “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.” Jesus makes it clear that love for him is expressed through caring for his “flock,” hence the term “pastoral” ministry. This is underscored elsewhere in the Gospel of John when Jesus says to the disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Tending, feeding, loving the flock is an expression of our love for Christ.

If the church, the Body of Christ, did not love and care for its members, what an unhealthy, hollow organism it would be -  unequipped to take God's love into the world.

Love starts where we are, with those we are closest to, radiating outward from there.  When members of the parish family know themselves to be loved, then they can reach out in love and concern for others, out of fullness, not barren emptiness.  One can consider the pastoral ministry of the church as an essential support to its mission to the world.

The command to love as Christ loves is more than an exercise of obedience and will. It is a matter of entering into a new life or rather allowing that life to enter us, letting Christ's love dwell in us and transform us. The love and compassion we express wells up from the Spirit of Christ within us. The process may be thought of as living the Sacrament. Holy Communion becomes real in us and in our relationships with one another as Christ dwells in us and we in him.

Mother Teresa, founder of the Missionaries of Charity, used this sacramental image when she described the work of her order as a “living Eucharist.” As the Sisters feed, nurse, comfort the broken bodies of the poor and dying, they are touching and tending the very body of Christ.  Mother Teresa wrote:  “In Holy Communion we have Christ under the appearance of bread. In our work we find him under the appearance of flesh and blood.  It is the same Christ.” She would often quote another saying of Jesus, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”  (Mt. 25:40)

It may be difficult sometimes to bring this awareness of a living communion with Christ when engaged in a humble act of service, but Christ is the heart of it. When a Pastoral Visitor calls upon a homebound older parishioner, they not only bring the love of Christ but meet Christ in the one they visit.  When a Good Samaritan bakes and delivers a casserole to a family with a new baby, the Christ who loves children is present. When the Prayer Chain prays for a woman with cancer, they uphold the suffering Christ in her through the grace of the healing Christ. Similar examples can be drawn from all acts of compassion and kindness done in the name of Christ and for Christ. Each interaction is an opportunity to love Christ in another.  As we are drawn into communion with Christ, we find Christ in everyone we meet.

The several ministry groups that are highlighted in this edition of Cross Roads are means to deepen our communion with Christ and each other. Through these ministries, strangers are introduced to one another and discover themselves to be brothers or sisters in Christ, kin to one another. Through loving one another, we love Christ.

Victoria (Vicky) Jamieson-Drake has been the Assistant for Pastoral Ministry (a 3/4 time position) since 1995. Her roles include leading the parish in pastoral ministry; pastor, priest, teacher; liaison to Stephen Ministry, AIDS Care Team, Foyer Groups, Marriage Preparation Workshops, Elder Ministry, Spiritual Life Committee, Care Team Ministry.  She can be reached at the church at 919-929-2193 or via email at vjd@thechapelofthecross.org.

Care Team Ministry
Mike Shea

During the past few weeks you've probably seen a notice in Crossings 'advertising' for volunteers to become members of the Chapel of the Cross Care Teams.

While the concept of church members helping parishioners in need is not new, Care Teams at our parish are new. They've been formally operating for less than a year.

The Rev. Vicky Jamieson-Drake is the guiding force behind the project. She describes the way Care Teams operate as, “a natural way people have cared for one another: someone gets sick, casseroles show up, people want to help, knowing that someday they'll be going through something like that. Care Teams just give a little more structure and organization to that help.”

Care Team support is not limited to any age group. According to Jamieson-Drake, “it may be particularly helpful for those who may not have a big network of friends or family to call on, especially the elderly with no local family and whose friends of similar age are coping with issues of aging themselves.” So younger people can form an intergenerational extended family within the church to address the need of elders. But, she says, Care Teams are not strictly for the infirm or elderly. They can also assist those “with major illness or disability who need extensive, on-going support that is more than one person could give”.

Our parish Care Team operation is associated with Project Compassion, a community based organization that has introduced Care Teams to the area based on an Alabama model.  Project Compassion is the end-of-life care coalition for Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties. They've helped establish Care Teams not only in our parish and in other churches but also in employee organizations and with specific health support groups too. According to executive director James Brooks the organization “has no public funding but depends on local donors and private grants.” The Care Team concept they've introduced is proving so successful that UNC Hospitals Hospice is introducing it as a model for its volunteer operations.

Currently, our parish has five Care Teams.  Ideally, each would consist of 8-12 members but some of the teams are smaller.

Jamieson-Drake says she wants to establish “as many as needed.” But she needs more volunteers. She says, “ I see this ministry as really expanding.”

Care Team members bring their individual strengths to their team. Each member does what he or she is most comfortable doing.  Some may prepare meals, others do minor home repairs or maintenance, some just provide conversation or, perhaps, play games while others may provide transportation to a supermarket or doctor.  Care Teams do not dispense medicines or provide medical services.

Care Team members know they cannot provide “all support services” for an individual. But one of the strengths of the broad based team-concept is the teams' knowledge of other resources that may be helpful. For example, a Care Team is unlikely to repair termite damage to a house but a team member may know of a carpenter who can make the repairs and a pest control company who can eliminate the termites.

The Chapel of the Cross Care Teams are part of the overall parish support network.  The Care Teams sometimes work in concert with other ministries. The Care Team might identify a need for more social interaction that Pastoral Visitors could provide, or the Care Team might need assistance from the Good Samaritans in providing for transportation needs.

Above all, Care Team members work as a team.  Members decide monthly how much time they can give the team.  Because of this, nobody is overburdened. And unlike one-on-one care, if a member needs to leave the team for a short-term vacation or permanently, another team member is there to continue the service.

Those interested in having Care Team assistance or interested in volunteering for a Care Team should contact Vicky Jamieson-Drake.

Stephen Ministry
Barbara Day -- Larry Curcio

If you have a spirit of servanthood and gifts for helping, then you have a heart for Stephen Ministry. You will grow spiritually and in deep and lasting friendship.

Quotes from Stephen Ministers:

“I remember the visit when I was late and she cried when I got there. She thought I had forgotten.”

“I remember our weekly visits when he told me about his family, his beloved wife and their two sons who lived away.”

“I remember sharing his pain and the knowledge that his illness was terminal and the pain would only get worse.”

“I remember sharing our faith. She loved her Lord and graciously accepted where He led her. She taught me so much.”

“I remember the day when she could no longer speak and I stood by her bed, holding her hand and singing her favorite hymns she loved so much.”

“I remember the doctor coming in and saying, 'she can't hear you anymore.'”

Stephen Ministers are commissioned to “proclaim through word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ by nurturing, edifying, educating, and equipping the whole people of God who are called, gifted, and sent to be more effective servants who care for the needs of the whole person.” Stephen Ministers fulfill this mission in more that 5,000 congregations of many denominations nationally by providing one-on-one lay ministry to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis or life challenge.  Stephen Ministers at the Chapel of the Cross are trained to assist our clergy in responding to the many pastoral needs of the parish.

During the past year the Stephen Ministry Program worked cooperatively with Project Compassion and Cornucopia House in sponsoring continuing education on the theme:  “Understanding And Supporting Those Who Suffer From Cancer.” These sessions were open to parish members. This venture was successful and will lead the Stephen Ministry Program to, again in the coming year, offer in cooperation with our Social Ministries Committee additional open sessions on the following theme. “Life Challenges: Helping Those in Need.”  Members of various community agencies have been invited to serve as resource persons.

Additionally, Stephen Ministers regularly call members of the parish who are listed on our Sunday morning prayer list, offering support, concern, and care as needed; this ministry has brought the program more fully to the attention of our parishioners who then may seek interest in our continuing education programs on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. during the academic year.

Seeking to respond in many ways to parishioners in need, the Stephen Ministry Program is working with the Rev. Victoria Jamieson-Drake, our valued clergy member, in establishing Care Teams in our parish. Some have received the Care Team Training Program offered through Project Compassion in Chapel Hill. This challenge was reinforced in Bishop Curry's message, “when we care for each other, we become closer to God.”  We are continuing to explore how Care Teams and Stephen Ministry can work together.

There are opportunities here for Stephen Ministers and Care Teams to work hand-in-hand emphasizing, for Stephen Ministers, the consistent listening to persons going through difficult times while Care Teams use the many skills available among its members in meeting many needs. The mission is to bring the comfort of Christ's love and healing to those who suffer in our church and community.

Stephen Ministers are Barbara Day and Larry Curcio, leaders; Mary Chase, Fran Finney, Larry Hart, Paula Head, Jenny Mabie, Sandra McClaskey, and Edward Zimmer.  Judy Watkins serves as associate Stephen Minister and the Rev. Victoria Jamieson-Drake is clergy liaison.

Guild of the Christ Child
John and Tina Gray

Thanks! -

To the Guild of the Christ Child, thank you so much! We learned about our second adoption (Will) just 4 days before he was to be placed in our home. We live in a very small cottage, have no family within 500 miles, and Will's arrival was to make us a family of four.  John is in his first year of a PhD program and very busy. We were thrilled that our second blessing was here, but we had a lot to get ready for!

Little did we know that our new church would provide so much help during this busy time! Our neighbor, friend, and parishioner Molly Dempsey brought us some very tasty casseroles the first week.  Not having to worry about cooking as we adjusted to sleep deprivation and taking care of two children was a big help. Shortly thereafter, another parishioner stopped by with a beautiful hand knit sweater and cap, a cross, an ornament, banana bread, more home-cooked meals, and information about ongoing support and social activities provided by the church for families with young children. We are very grateful. We have enjoyed all of them.

To everyone in the church, we wanted to let you know the wonderful work done by the Guild of the Christ Child for families with new children. To the Guild, we thank you sincerely for all of the acts of caring provided by you.  Finally, to those who cook for families who are temporarily busy, please know that this is very much appreciated.

Parish Visitors
Bob Comey

As Charlie Browning writes in the annual report, “The Chapel of the Cross wants to be sure all are remembered.” That's where the 12-member Parish Visitors Group, which Charlie heads, plays an important role. At least once a month, the visitors, individually or in teams, see more than 20 homebound parishioners.

“We are part of an overall family,” he explained recently, “and we must remember the words of Our Lord: 'That you love one another.' ”

Other visitors agree. “I'm doing something for my fellow parishioners,” Eleanor Taggart says. “It is a family - a huge family. In a way I feel I am taking care of people who did something for the church. I feel I am doing God's work.”

“It's important to me to be serving the church,” Teddy Lovejoy explains, “since the church has given so much to me. I have chosen to be involved in Parish Visitors because I want to be a part of the church's mission to take care of our own members. We need to maintain our connection with the shut-in people who are so frail, so wise, so dependent, and often so full of life experiences. And they are in need of a continued connection with the church.” She says of a 97-year-old woman, “She and I both feel that we are very lucky to have found each other and we have become really connected, true friends.”

Barbara White, recalling her visits with Eleanor Godfrey, expresses similar sentiments. “We had delightful visits, but I had no idea what an incredible woman she was until I went to her memorial service.”

Vicky Jamieson-Drake, the clergy representative to the Parish Visitors, adds, “In my role, I recognize that these people were really important to this parish in their earlier years.  What I hope we communicate to them is that they are still important and valued members of our church community.”

Marian Hooper sees visiting as “an act of thanksgiving for my many blessings. You want to give of yourself in thanksgiving. It's a need to give back. One of the most strengthening things we can receive is knowing that someone out there cares for us.”

“I like to be needed and wanted,” Charlie says. “They often say to me, 'You seem to get here when I need you most. I have a crisis and want to talk and you are here to talk.'

“Mariechen Smith and I visit two women as a team. They always urge us to come back soon, and their immediate relatives appreciate our visits. A few weeks ago, one of the women said to be sure to waken her if she is dozing. 'I can doze anytime; I can't have visitors anytime,' ” she explained.

Although the Parish Visitors would like to expand, they recognize reluctance. As Charlie says, “I ask people to go see people and they say, 'Go see people we don't know? Heavens, no.' ”

“It's not easy greeting and befriending people whose lives are so near the end, or who are so alone, or so dependent,” Teddy says. “It sometimes hurts just to think of their condition. I hope that someone will want to visit me when I am in this stage of life because I know it means a lot to me to have someone to talk to.”

Give visiting a try, perhaps by accompanying one of us on a visit. Feel free to contact Vicky or any group member (the others are Sankey Blanton, Molly Cameron, Mary Esser, Dorothy McLaughlin, and Nancy Sitterson).

And if you know someone who might appreciate a visit, please tell Vicky. “I feel like a matchmaker - linking visitors with shut-ins,” she says.

Prayer Chain
Steve Bredehoeft

Prayer stands out as a distinctive characteristic of our Anglican tradition. London Times columnist William Rees-Mogg recently covered the consecration of Rowan Williams as Archbishop of Canterbury under the lead “Can this man bring us to our knees?” Though raised Roman Catholic, Rees-Mogg spoke of the deep impression left by his education, which he states was profoundly influenced by The Book of Common Prayer. Even in this modern world he points to prayer's unique power to change relationships in fundamental ways, both with ourselves and with others.

Enjoined to pray by scripture and The Book of Common Prayer, we stand in the rich Anglican tradition of prayer in its many and varied forms. While all Christians are commanded to “pray for one another,” the Prayer Chain at the Chapel of the Cross brings a ministry of prayer with special emphasis on intercession.

Each month the Prayer Chain distributes a prayer letter. Included are several petitions from The Book of Common Prayer appropriate to the liturgical season. Every week prayers are offered in daily rotation for various aspects of our common life, ranging from the universal Church and sister dioceses and parishes to our individual clergy, parishioners, and parish ministries. Prayer Chain members pray also for specific needs of individuals, nations, and regions. For example, prayers are offered regularly for those in need of healing, those in special need, and those who are bereaved. Additionally, new concerns and thanksgivings are incorporated weekly, or even daily, through the use of 'the chain'.

The Prayer Chain itself consists of 17 parishioners with the Rev. Vicky Jamieson-Drake serving as our clergy liaison.  The vast majority of internal communication with prayer chain members results from notices from clergy and the hard work of the phone coordinators, Mary Esser and Mary Jane Hunt.

While Jesus assures us that not a single sparrow falls without the loving knowledge of the Heavenly Father, we mortals must rely on more prosaic means of awareness. The Prayer Chain has not been left behind in the information age.  Needs and requests can now wing their way via email as well as the more traditional 'phone trees', bringing to attention concerns from next door and around the world. Additionally, members of the chain who can do so meet monthly on the third Wednesday to share fellowship and communal prayer.  For those of us with very restrictive schedules, the Prayer Chain affords tangible opportunity to participate actively but inconspicuously in the life of the parish and the universal Church.

In the sacrament of Baptism, the congregation collectively affirms its commitment to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. In partial measure, the Prayer Chain strives to fulfill this commitment through prayerful support and intercession on behalf of those who rejoice and those who weep, those with thanksgivings for particular manifestations of God's grace and those in times of deep trial and distress. It serves as a partial realization of our common life in Christ amidst the very real suffering of the world.

Concerns, requests, and thanksgivings can be conveyed to the clergy or to the Prayer Chain coordinators (Mary Esser, ghesser@aol.com, or Mary Jane Hunt). Communications remain confidential and individuals are often identified only by first name. Requests are also welcomed for those whose needs are known only to God.

Good Samaritans
Molly Dempsey

When Jesus took a basin of water and a towel and proceeded to wash his friends' feet, Peter was shocked. Jesus explained that he wanted to teach the disciples something. As Jesus acted as a servant in washing the feet of his friends, he showed them that they too should act as servants to each other. What a wonderful feeling it is indeed to help a friend or a friend of a friend with a simple chore much as a servant would.

As with many ministries at the Chapel of the Cross, the Good Samaritans is a quiet one.  We are a group of parishioners trying to answer the immediate, short-term needs of parishioners who are ill, recently home from a hospital stay, new parents, or recently widowed. Our duties include running errands, driving people to doctor appointments, doing gentle household chores, delivering casseroles from the church freezer, or sometimes just stopping by for a short visit.

Currently there are 29 active 'Good Sams,' including six monthly coordinators. In addition, the Guild of the Christ Child works with the Good Samaritans as necessary to see that new babies are welcomed to the church and that new parents have support and help.

When a parishioner needs extra help, he or she calls the church office and the office staff alerts the Rev. Vicky Jamieson-Drake who in turn contacts the Good Samaritan coordinator for the month. The coordinator either personally responds to the request or organizes other Good Samaritans to meet the needs of the parishioner.

Good Samaritans are encouraged to do what they can when they can. We are not expected always to say yes when the coordinator calls! We recognize that people lead busy lives and yet want to be able to help others when they can.

This is one of the most rewarding ministries with which I have had the opportunity to be involved. In helping others I meet different members of the Chapel of the Cross. Ours is a large parish with several services. While I recognize many of the regular attendees of the 9:00 service, there are so many parishioners whom I do not know. This is just one way in which I enlarge my circle of friends at the Chapel of the Cross.

Christian Education: Under Construction - A Habitat for Humanity Vacation Bible School
June 23-27
Gretchen S. Jordan

The Chapel of the Cross will join with the Olin T. Binkley Baptist Church (which is literally under construction with renovations to their educational buildings) and thousands of other churches around the country that have chosen to make their summer Vacation Bible School program one that challenges its young people to learn about Christian service. Under Construction is a Christian education resource that uses a construction metaphor to help children learn about community. Bible stories provide the foundation for experiences in sharing, caring, learning, worshipping, and celebrating. As children are guided by teen and adult leaders, they will have the opportunity to receive and express a joyful spirit of giving to meet the needs of others as they help to build a home where love can grow.  Partnering with Orange County Habitat, our older children will be making things for new home owners, preparing a lunch for the Friday work crew, and visiting the work site! In addition, members of the Habitat staff, one of the work crews, and a partnering family will visit Vacation Bible School during the week to tell the children some stories of their involvement with Habitat.

Leadership is still needed for the June 23 - 27, 9:00 - Noon program. Young and young-at-heart persons are encouraged to consider joining in the week of fun and learning. Many retirees have enthusiastically been enlisted! In fact, the majority of the workers on board for the week qualify for AARP membership! We have teams of four people who will each work one day to provide crafts and games; eight retired men will be working with the older classes to build the wood items; Stephen Elkins-Williams will be strummin' and hummin' as the program begins each morning; and the teens will be assisting in every area. If you are interested or willing to help in some way, contact me immediately. There really is something for everyone!

Registration is open only to church members during May; registration will open to the community on June 1 while class spaces allow. Registration forms are in the main office and the dining room. A $20.00 donation is requested for each child with a family maximum of $60.00. Please attach a check made payable to the Chapel of the Cross and earmarked Vacation Bible School with the registration form.

Orange County Mission Will Gather at the River
Lisa G. Fischbeck

The Orange County Mission will hold its second ingathering of those interested in being a part of the new congregation on Sunday, June 22, from 5 - 7:00 p.m. The ingathering will take place at Kingfisher Farm on the banks of the south fork of the Little River, about five miles north of Hillsborough. All are welcome to join us for worship and song, fellowship and play.  Meet others who are being drawn to this mission, and learn more about the wonderful way it is evolving and growing. Bring a friend and bring a dish to share. For further information and directions, contact Lisa Fischbeck, Gathering Priest (phone: 919-219-4437 or email: lgf@nc.rr.com).

Visit the Orange County Mission website for more information about the mission's story, plans for selecting a site, how to get involved, and Lisa's schedule - www.rtpnet.org/ocm.

Johnson Intern Program
Mary Agnes Rawlings

Last evening was the annual Johnson Intern Celebration Dinner sponsored by the Johnson Intern Board. Among the guests of honor were Bishop Gloster, Bishop Suffragan of North Carolina, and Douglas Fenton, Staff Officer for Young Adult and Higher Education Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center in New York, along with past and present Johnson Interns, clergy, staff, JIP board members, mentors, and representatives from community agencies. It was a grand evening of celebration and joy for those who offer their multiple gifts and talents to the Johnson Intern Program. Bishop Gloster addressed the gathering and described the purpose of the Johnson Intern Program as “Making disciples for the world,” and referred to JIP interns as, “living evidence of God's presence in the world.”

I was reminded of a scripture taken from Chapter 6, verse 8 in Isaiah, “I heard the Lord saying 'Whom Shall I Send and Who Will Go for us?' And I answered, 'Here am I! send me!'”  Last night, as I looked over the audience that included individuals from every aspect of Chapel of the Cross ministry, I thought Bishop Gloster's remarks apropos. The Johnson Intern Program is evidence of the Living Presence of our Lord. Individuals coming together in community to celebrate the fruits of a ministry experience.

As several of the agency representatives spoke of their deep appreciation for the Johnson Interns, I reflected on my experience last August as I spoke to the individual interns about accepting placements in agencies that served populations much different from what they had anticipated. The interns accepted their assignments as challenges and have grown tremendously from this experience, as evidenced by the remarks of those individuals who spoke and of several who approached me later. Andrew, Carrie, Beverly, Megan, and Meredith are extremely gifted individuals and will continue to affect the world in which they live in significant ways. This is the essence of the Johnson Intern experience--accepting God's work in the world as it is and not always the way we want it to be. Our work is to be a Living Presence wherever we might find ourselves; and Johnson Interns reflect the truth of this scripture.