Some weeks ago journalist Neela Banerjee phoned the Rector of all Lewes to ask the names of some parishioners who live elsewhere but worship and are engaged with the church here in the village by the bay and the big water. Fr. Jeff Ross pointed her to Charles Atwell and Mary Alice Martus. She and a photographer visited three Sundays ago while the Rector was away and I was preaching and celebrating. 
I wish the picture had included him (see the really formal picture on the left), but the photographer and the writer came when they were able.The article can be found HERE. It is on pages C 26-27 of the Friday August 21st edition.
The article that grew from this is about people finding a deepening of spiritual life by involvement in congregations where they either vacation or spend their weekends. St. Peter's Episcopal Church has about the same congregation winter and summer - roughly 120 each at 8 and 10 AM. We are starting a third service at 5 PM. Charlie and Mary Alice are examples of a wider group of people at St. Peter's who have dual residency. We are very fortunate to have them as members.
The article featured a number of other folk and congregations, some in the Lewes - Rehoboth area, and I was particularly pleased to see the photograph of Miriam Zadek who attends Seaside Jewish Community. I've known Miriam for several years. Interestingly, Seaside Jewish Community and St. Peter's in Lewes and All Saints in Rehoboth have had a close relationship for some years. The relationship with St. Peter's has grown with the special care taken by Seaside's leadership and Fr. Jeff Ross.Over and over again I realize just how blessed I am to be part of this Church community. It is as grounding as the boat, and does not involve diesel fuel.
Neela Banerjee is a fine reporter and journalist and it was great to see her while she was here.
Good to find your cheery picture in the NYT. Glad you have not been there too often!
ReplyDeleteWe too enjoyed our Sunday there.
Mark
ReplyDeleteSaint Peter's is very blessed to have you as part of our parish family and I am blessed to serve with you and call you friend! Great story in NY Times!
Peace!
jeff+
Well, my goodness, Mark, as if you weren't enough of a celebrity already. And to think I gave you a hug in Anaheim!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, it was a good article and a fine picture of you and your parishioners.
My church community grounds me, too, and I thank God for it.
Yes, Mark, there is nothing like getting a start on the second cup of coffee and discovering your cheerful face in my NYT! As occasional visitors to St. Peter's over the last decade or so, we've found it to be a welcoming, hospitable place--sort of like the village itself.
ReplyDeleteJust to second what everyone else has said. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! You live in a wonderful area, I'm not surprised it was selected for the NYT piece. I'm not the only daughter of Maryland that remembers the Delaware shores with great pleasure (though I know much has changed).
ReplyDeleteIT's also great to show the world that people with two homes have two faith communities, and feel richer for the experience. That the vacation home isn't a vacation from faith.