From the Rector

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite things about parish life is the wide array of ages and stages in life with whom it keeps me in touch. While I enjoyed participating in the groups associated with my sons' schools, as they moved on to the next level, the people and the challenges associated with the last one, e.g.. pre-school or middle school, fell out of my consciousness. I was focused on those around me and the new characteristics of this new age level. Now that this journey for our family has moved onto undergraduate and graduate studies, I no longer have PTA meetings or athletic events or school outings or concerts to keep me in touch with school age children and families.

But in an active parish, the dynamic is different! While we, and any children we may have, inevitably age into new interests and new perspectives, we continue to rub elbows with all age groups in our worship, in our fellowship gatherings, in special activities, and even in reading and hearing announcements about the different ministries of the parish. That is a gift not to be taken for granted, but to give God thanks for daily. Staying connected to people in all stages of life is a life-giving privilege.

Along with privileges, of course, come responsibilities. We are all called according to our capabilities, from the youngest to the oldest, to support and encourage the rest of us. We acknowledge and promise this during important liturgies (Baptism and Confirmation): "Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?", "Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?" There is a sense in which all of us as Christians, married or single, are called to exercise parenthood, i.e., to claim a connection with and by our "prayers and witness help [each other] grow into the full stature of Christ."That is true for us not only for young children, but for all of us at our various stages in life.

In this issue, we focus on those in the most formative parts of their journeys, infants through young adults. If that is not your stage in life anymore, do not think that these articles are not about you! By virtue of your participation in this parish, this issue is about your children and about those entrusted to you by God for your good and the good of the whole Body of Christ. Through your interest and concern, through your smiles and words of encouragement, through your financial stewardship, through your prayer and example, you live out the bonds of fellowship and the responsibilities that flow from them. Thank God for the gift of others of all ages who sustain us and call us beyond ourselves!

- Stephen

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