My mother-in-law, Anne Streett, invited me to Ed Salmon’s Sunday morning classes. He was a good teacher, and I liked hearing what he had to say. I had stopped going to church for a long time, but when I started going to Sunday services and sitting in the back row with Anne I realized how much I had missed being at church and singing hymns.
At the close of an Ash Wednesday service led by Fred Barbee, I had an amazing experience. During the blessing, I felt as though the heaviness in my heart of all my worries and troubles was lifted. It’s hard to describe, but it was a real feeling of having something taken off my shoulders.
Soon after that, probably early 1980’s, I decided to become a member of The Church of St. Michael & St. George. My church letter was transferred here from Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in Des Moines. Jim Streett, who had been a lifelong member of the church although he no longer attended, presented me to the bishop for the service for new members.
As a member I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of our shared church life, from being a greeter in the Great Hall on Sunday mornings, to helping open the book store, to serving on the Altar Guild, to taking communion to shut-ins. The Sunday morning sermons, classes, and programs for quiet days strengthen my faith. Retreats and bible study classes help me stay connected to others in the parish, and led me to being part of a group that made a pilgrimage to Salisbury and Walsingham, England a while back.
During this pandemic, I’ve actually enjoyed being home and not feeling pressured to be out and about. The hardest part is dealing with uncertainty. I just go from day to day and count my blessings. I am blessed with good health, a loving family, and dear friends. Somehow my faith keeps me centered. Several church friends have offered to go shopping for me, since I’m in the most vulnerable age group, and Laurie even walked over one day to deliver a copy of Forward Day by Day. The first Sunday morning I watched a service online filled me with joy. Even though I miss going to church and sitting in “my” pew, many things help me still feel connected to this parish that I love. I truly appreciate all the staff and clergy are doing to make this happen for all of us.
Georgia Streett
