Finally . . . .

Finally, a church home.

When I moved here 15 years ago, I checked out four different Episcopal parishes, and at each one identified myself as a former senior warden and choirmaster/organist. I handed over business cards, and asked clergy to contact me as a newcomer.

Not a single one did.

“How can churches in this diocese survive?”, I wondered. (A few years ago, I wrote the Bishop that very question as I told him my history of lack of follow-up or even hospitality.)

And a few months after moving, I ended up singing at the large, corporate-sized parish of The Church of St. Michael and St. George.

After a certain period, I moved my church affiliation to Christ Church Cathedral. And then back, a few years later, to SS. Michael & George.

But that parish has never felt like home, and I have always felt like an outsider, trying to break in to conversations at receptions after Evensong, find someone with whom to exchange more than pleasantries, being keenly aware that I used to be in the choir, but not now, and so forth.

Earlier this summer, I said ‘yes’ to some temping as organist for services at St. John’s, Tower Grove.

And with my sub rotation wrapping up, I’m delighted to say that I have requested that my parish letter be sent to St. John’s, where I’m looking forward to joining this hospitable, friendly, dedicated, neighborhood-focused parish. Their welcome, even to me as a gig employee, has been warm. The parish reminds me in many ways of the size and age of Grace Church, Muncie, and the make-up of Resurrection, Blue Springs, two of my happiest Episcopal homes.

So, 15 years on, I finally feel connected to a parish, even though I’m just now starting as a parishioner on the church rolls. And I’m volunteering already, for things in October and November.

Photos, pulled from Facebook and their website: