By Laurel Way
I like to joke with people that I “married” into the Episcopal Church. Before I met my now husband, I had never heard the word “episcopal” in my life, and at the time, I was worried he was trying to get me to join a cult. But after some clarification and deeper conversation around faith over a spaghetti dinner, I reluctantly attended a Sunday service at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Glendale.
The first time I went was scary. I didn’t understand the routine, when to stand, when to sit, when to kneel. I could barely follow along in the Sunday bulletin and I dropped the book of hymns when trying to find the right page. The longer I stood there, the more uncomfortable and out of place I felt. Until I listened to the sermon.
At that time, The Rev. Canon Harry Way was the rector and he spoke about love and service to one another. I can’t recall his exact words, and I don’t remember the passage he was preaching on. But I could feel a shift within myself and I could tell that what he saying was at the heart of who I was as a person. The feeling wasn’t strong, and it wasn’t a huge epiphany, but on that day he planted a seed within me.
After the service, I was greeted by many kind faces during a whirlwind of coffee and pastries. But later that day, I sat down with Father Harry and started asking questions about the Episcopal faith. As he answered my questions (as best he could) I realized that in all my years before, I never had a priest sit down with me and just let me ask questions. Every church I had gone to before asked me to blindly follow or to just accept that atrocities in the world were all part of “God’s plan.”
For the first time, I found a church where I could actively seek answers.
Not only that, I found a church where the foundation is rooted in love and compassion. Where people can serve the Lord by serving their fellow humans. Where I could feel comfortable exploring my own identity. Where I could feel accepted and feel like I can make a positive impact in this world.
I found my HOME.
What did you find at your local Episcopal Church?
During this season of Lent, I invite you all to reflect on what you have found at your local Episcopal Church. Did you find hope? Community? Faith? And what might you continue to find?
Last week, we shared an evangelism campaign through the diocese that is taking place during Lent. With the help of an evangelism grant and the work of a graphic designer, we created resources for congregations to use during and after Lent to help evangelize to their local communities. We started with a list of 25 words that really embody the spirit of being a part of the Episcopal Church. We then created logos, postcards, flyers, stickers, digital banners, bookmarks, and more.
You can learn more and participate in this campaign by clicking HERE.
As part of this campaign, I invite individuals to share their stories of what they found at their Episcopal Church. You can share online by tagging us on your social media @azdiocese, or you can email me directly at laurel@azdiocese.org.
When we share our experiences, we deepen our connection to one another and God. We also gain a deeper understanding of our own spiritual journey. At the Episcopal Church, find your…
