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Dear Church Family,
Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is such a classic that it's embedded in our culture. The story asks us to consider how the world would be different if we weren't here. What, for example, would the world be like if Christ Church weren't here? I spoke with several parishioners of all ages on this topic and your reactions were:
"There wouldn't be a high school in Renk, South Sudan."
"St. Leonard's probably wouldn't exist."
And from one high schooler at our Wednesday morning youth breakfast, "Without Christ Church, I would be a very hungry boy."
For my part, without Christ Church, I think the world would lack a powerful force for good that outpours, overflows, and sweeps up people into love.
It became apparent when I saw your overwhelming response to a member of the community who became ill. While the family dealt with the prognosis, treatments, and finally death, you held them in your arms and it was transformational.
It's clear every Sunday when our youngest children come running and prancing into church during the Peace and they are met with smiles and welcome, not shushes and glares.
It is obvious that love is growing in our youth (they learned it from you) when they sit across the table from a homeless person at Inspiration Cafe, hear his story, and then say, "That was the most meaningful experience of my life."
It is tangible when I visit families and an entire room of the house is dedicated to Christmas Angels.
What would the world look like without Christ Church? Much the same, honestly. There would still be need in the world and there would be others to take our place. But this love we have in our community is significant because it is ours to share and it transforms not only the world around us, but the world within us.
I thank God for you: for the ways you care for each other in community, for the ways in which you care for the world in the name of love-with the hands of Christ.
Love,
Leah Romanelli
Youth Minister
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