All Saints Episcopal Church Stewardship reflection for this week:
God Walks with Us
Our walk in love began early in our relationship. Living in Utah, a Methodist and a Catholic in the land of Latter Day Saints, becoming Episcopalian only seemed logical.
When we moved to our current hometown, two things attracted us to the congregation that became our home: a stunning building designed by a world-renowned architect, a perfect setting for two young architects early in their career; and a Boy Scout trailer in the parking lot, perfect for an Eagle Scout from years earlier. Both our children were baptized within the walls of this church. Our son was confirmed and lived his scouting life through the troop chartered
by the church. And our daughter has lived her entire spiritual life at our congregation. All of it has been a walk in love.
That walk, and the love that accompanies it, sustained us through a dark time that came suddenly and unexpectedly. In 2021 we tragically lost our 15-year- old son. Our priest brought calm in that devastating moment and was a constant reminder that God walks with us. From the congregation in the days and weeks that followed, meals were prepared, boxes of supplies arrived, there were calls, emails, texts, visits from our community of faith. We never doubted that God was with us, walking with us and, many days, carrying us. Our faith deepened. We were renewed in the unending love of God and upheld by a congregation of friends that gave of their time, their treasures, and their love with no expectation for repayment.
The stewardship of their lives, their walk with us in love, upheld us. Through them, we have experienced how much Christ has loved us. And because of that, we are to able give to others from all the gifts that God has given and to continue to walk in love.
For reflection:
- What is the relationship between compassion and generosity?
- How have you experienced both?
This reflection was written by Todd and Elizabeth Medd, members of Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo, ND. Through the death of their son, Liam, they established the 4-6-3 Foundation with the mission to provide lifesaving tools, techniques and resources to youth and their parents, coaches, teachers and mentors to reduce the stigma around depression and end suicide. (463foundation.org)