Since I have grown up at St. Paul's church, from my own baptism to the baptisms of my three children, I don't consider myself necessarily "transformed" by being a member, but rather "evolved". Being a member of St. Paul's church has always been a part of me. Growing up in a primarily Catholic community, I was often the only one of my peers to be Episcopalian. This distinction never bothered me, and in fact I enjoyed the close knit community, the family-feel that St. Paul's church has to offer. I have seen many changes occur at St. Paul's and I feel as though I have changed with them. I have been in Sunday school as a child and now I teach the Godly Play class, which has given me a whole new perspective. I sang in the children's choir, and now I get to watch my own children sing, and take communion at the alter that I stood at their age.
As an adult, I have definitely gained a greater appreciation for God, for my family, and for the community at St. Paul's. Coming back to St. Paul's after living out-of-state, I introduced my husband to "my" church. He went along with me, but we sat in the back and we left right after the service. We did not mingle, we didn't dare join a committee! We were definitely slow to warm up after being away for years. Gradually, we were drawn in by the friendly faces, the polite conversation, the suggestion to form a "young adults" group. This group really brought us deeper into the St. Paul's community, and before we knew it, my husband became an official Episcopalian. We have been involved in long-range planning, discernment, Christian Education, stewardship, the pumpkin patch, and ushering. St. Paul's church is now "our" church, and I feel as though I have come full circle.
As an adult, I have definitely gained a greater appreciation for God, for my family, and for the community at St. Paul's. Coming back to St. Paul's after living out-of-state, I introduced my husband to "my" church. He went along with me, but we sat in the back and we left right after the service. We did not mingle, we didn't dare join a committee! We were definitely slow to warm up after being away for years. Gradually, we were drawn in by the friendly faces, the polite conversation, the suggestion to form a "young adults" group. This group really brought us deeper into the St. Paul's community, and before we knew it, my husband became an official Episcopalian. We have been involved in long-range planning, discernment, Christian Education, stewardship, the pumpkin patch, and ushering. St. Paul's church is now "our" church, and I feel as though I have come full circle.