Lay: Tell a story about a time of real Christian community. How were you touched by the presence of Jesus?

L1

I find a real sense of Christ community at vespers — it is an intimate spiritual time.

L2

Struggling with illness and death of loved one — got wonderful support from minister and community

L3

Event during undergrad. Christian Fellowship prayer meeting when fellow invited to pray together. The presence of Jesus was felt soberly in the moment. That another individual came forth out of love to make the invitation.

L4

Minister in NYC. — excellent theologian, intellectual friendly conversation over John 1.1 — was 'logos' involatile or innovative?

L5

L6

Having to make some very difficult choices in life, and knowing that the church was here as a support made the decision easier.

L7

Youth events in diocese carries through to today

L8

On my first mission trip, the last night, became close with eight kids from my church. I remember that was first time I had a sense of what being a Christian meant, I broke down in tears, which I hardly ever do. They were all crying too. We talked, cried and prayed for about two hours.

L9

Growing up in the community of the church there was no distinction between secular and school activities. For instance in choir you were together as family.

L10

Adopting a child

L11

I was experiencing a really low point in my life and I knelt and asked what should I do. I got the clear answer that there was no answer but that I should keep struggling. I was not a church member but then came to St. Martin's and truly felt loved and supported by the community.

L12

At my confirmation, the men of the parish put on a breakfast for us and our parents. It gave me a real sense that I was part of this community and I truly felt the presence of Jesus in a positive way. Before that, I thought of Jesus as scary.

L13

When my husband preached a sermon about my son's deafness — intensely emotional — my son was having surgery and a member of our church. Was at an Episcopal church who showed us that .. Really someone really cared and demonstrated the power of prayer.

L14

Baptism of granddaughter — feeling of family of relatives and family of church members — felt he was in the right place the place Jesus called him to.

L15

At a conference about social justice — the "sojourners." An amazing number of Christians that were passionate about social justice received communion together as God's family.

L16

Very ill — outcome unknown — such support and feeling even when nobody was there. One night said to God "whatever you decide" and felt fine.

L17

As youth — spiritual gathering 'witness'

L18

Good Friday at Holy Spirit. We go out as a community to help others. Children, families, go out all over the community. Joy in faces. Jesus is there.

L19

9/11 — Diocese of New York — community came through — weeks afterwards. Jesus is face of many people.

L20

It was at a monastery — startled at the sense of community. Had a deep core connection with other people.

L21

As a boy — prayer at home and school. Deep sense of being a Christian through family, school and church. Jesus always central from childhood.

L22

1. Attending Alpha class — wife pregnant and one to two couples getting married also attending — observed baskets of gifts — an outpouring of love from the Christian community. 2. Seeing Jesus in the good works of people

L23

After 46 years, I am filled with so many moments where I felt the love of the Christian community and saw it in others. Jesus touched me by giving me a wonderful husband and a beautiful daughter and 4 grandchildren.

L24

Never stopped going to church — probably unusual. Lots of times felt wonderful — lots of times not. At conference for Christian education — shared similar passion interests. Presence of Jesus in passion of others at the conference.

L25

In Air Force — went back to Episcopal Church and what was familiar. Warm church, found faith. Touched by the presence of community and caring people. Jesus working through people, liturgy.

L26

Married to someone without church/faith — congregation embracing — helpful — supportive without questions or judgment

L27

Discernment Process in parish for becoming a priest — very supported by whole parish and parish to which she did practicum. Try to grow into person she is called to be.

L28

Ending service part of something large and knowledge that there is something in common with people over area started going back to church with wife.

L29

Attended Baptist music fest. Felt acceptance of fellow attendees. Went as "social" event. Found that other wanted to help on path to faith without forcing

L30

Lost one job — social work — got another more demanding — lost that one — tough period — turned to church community for support and received it. Church gave strength to get through vulnerable period in life.

L31

Teddy Bear weekend — 300 collected for families that needed comfort. Distributed in home first with kids — warm feeling — all coming together to make a difference in community.

L32

Presence of God through active participation in care for seniors had others in need throughout the community; feel good, inspired, and making a difference

L33

In college observed Episcopal Church do outreach, and became involved full-time on the project.

L34

When the church would help host a homeless family, by providing food and companionship.  Spending an evening with the family, it felt really good to reach out. Jesus was really there, but did not discuss religion. They need to know that people care.

L35

During two times when I miscarried I felt the total loving support of the church family and also the presence of God for his healing, strength and continually love for us.

L36

Felt the more sense of Christian community in-depth when I studied the scriptures and had a continual prayer life during those times. I was most aware with presence of Jesus.

L37

Sharing facilities with congregation affected by fire. God was there telling what to do.

L38

Congregation rallied around me at a difficult time.

L39

Saw my place with Jesus through community service. Touched by the presence through my ability to help others in the community

L40

After college, found a calling through the church with the Boy Scouts

L41

First visit to an Episcopal Church — feeling of inclusion/loved and welcomed for who she is.

L42

Easter — totally understood Christ's journey and what he did for us and thankful — Jesus loves me, inclusion for everyone — Passion of Christ movie

L43

Funeral of Bro. James Maddin and amazing funeral liturgy and burial and deep grief for community. Martin Smith preached, tragic and beautiful moment. Very tight body of Christ experiencing the trauma together. Presence of Jesus felt through the suffering and in the love.

L44

When she first went to an Episcopal Church — feeling of belonging, felt presence of Jesus at communion

L45

 . . .  through the suffering and in the love.

L46

Sunday school made children feel they were a part of a bigger community. Opportunity to serve in different roles Hearing and reading Bible stories priest made them feel alive and real for the children.

L47

Preparing food for homeless. People were from different backgrounds and were thankful. He gave me strength to help others.

L48

No single time, event — baptism service moves me — renewal of kingdom of God, congregation interacts, repeated regularly

L49

Chalice bearer server — priest ran out of wine, even though it looks like it might happen at anytime — creates a real presence.

L50

Congregation had to become a mission. Very tough. Bishop said pray and stay the course. Now a full pledged church and growing.

L51

Interfaith hospitality network — contacted the church that they had a family that was not going to be having a Christmas celebration. 3 days before Christmas the church community took charge and made the Christmas wishes of the family came true. Three days before Christmas this was a true miracle.

L52

Cooked for homeless — fed 120 people. The people who wee willing to give of their time and cook and volunteer were definitely the presence of Jesus

L53

new in community — visited and welcomed. Priest very marvellous with services. Sermon was dialogue. After automobile accident she felt blessed by God for saving her life.

L54

L55

Youth group — volunteered on community service projects. Feeding program — homeless program

L56

Serving on first aid — motorcycle accident — body parts spread over the road — God took her hand and helped her to gather up parts.

L57

during childhood at Baptist church — visits fro missionaries telling stories influenced me

L58

Helping a church member who was asked me to be his health care advocate. The time came when a decision needed to be made on the member's behalf. The decision to remove the member from life support was what was asked of me. In according to the member's wishes, it abided. It was a sad time for the family — but they were united at the time of the member's death in Christ Jesus.

L59

Our church had the opportunity to purchase additional property. Many parishioners were afraid to make a commitment. She said she loved them all and she encouraged them to move forward. She felt the Lord was leading her to speak up on the issue. The church purchased the property and has grown ever since.

L60

During bible study — the book of acts — learning about the Pentecost feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit within his study group — felt a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the Lord.

L61

Church actively took part in burial of both of my parents. The church made the ceremony a success. We were touched by Jesus in the way that God has blessed our family. He has blessed our mission to this country.

L62

The birth of the children when the presence of Jesus was felt. Following this, the baptism of the children which was witnessed by the whole congregation and the presentation of the children as the newest Xian members.

L63

She had a sense of the presence of Jesus at an Easter Vigil service. When the lights came on and the priest removed the cover on the altar, she had a sense of Christian community.

L64

Joined church 2003 and then helped support Katrina — relief . Someone always ready to help. Presence of Jesus manifest through answers to prayers

L65

after college first job — alone in strange city went to church. I felt surrounded and knew that’s where I wanted to be. The presence was through a woman who I sat next to and became a friend and support for me.

L66

In my home — everybody embodied Christian community. Jesus touches me when I ask myself WWJD knowing right from wrong

L67

Homecoming when a family member showed up a service on my behalf. Knowing nothing about this affair.

L68

Childhood — grandpa taught me to be acolyte to (at daily chapel service). Finally promoted to high altar Sunday service — felt in presence of God. Now sing in choir — processing down aisle at beginning of service — feel almost out of myself.

L69

Working, empowering people in our community. Kind of like the ancient church sharing from one's substance. The giving of time and substance. People who have known headship caring for others going through hardship.

L70

After my wife died, I was supported and felt uplifted by the community of the church. I felt I was not alone and that the presence of Jesus was there.

L71

Helped a young man to find his way back into the church. He is studying to be a minister. In talking with this person it felt like Jesus was there sharing the way so person could find his own way.

L72

Young people's conference — transformed insular feelings found out that many other, though different, felt similar love of God. Discovered that there was a wider Christian community out there — also had fun and enjoyable experience.

L73

A secular situation: the AIDS quilt. Candlelight march from capitol to Lincoln Memorial. Marchers chanted shame to the protesters. Switched to compassion for the protesters in this circumstance. Christ was with us on the rest of the march — reconciliation in mind.

L74

I was ill last summer of 2005. I was quite depressed. However, several friends and church members offered prayers as they came to see me. I finally began to actually feel a warmth move through me from foot to head. Eventually I improved in health and strength. Believe that this moving warmth was the spirit of Jesus healing me.

L75

When I conducted a women day's program in the church I brought a variety of activities to the church. A joint program bringing people together with prizes; to see the excitement of children taking charge. The mothers enjoyed the day provided by their children. I felt this is my calling as part of the Sunday School.

L76

Serving on altar guild — allows me to be a team player rather than a controller. Making a commitment to be bigger than myself. Learning how to pray better to be a better Christian

L77

I have always has a sense of the Christian community. Coming from a family deeply involved in church, Jesus is in my life daily. There is no special time I can think of. He is always with you.

L78

When we started the mission at church I felt the Lord's presence.

L79

Left large church and went to smaller church which her talents could be used in teaching children about the way of the Christian life: loving others and by activities learn the love of Jesus and way of life.

L80

Improve living conditions of community. Had an opportunity to build toilets, dry walls, community effort nerd.  Improve health for children and mothers, especially with home

L81

When the church celebrated their 300th anniversary, it drew a large number of congregants together to organize the celebrations.

L82

great congregation — very supportive — opened up to her faith Gfter years away — very friendly — doing things together.

L83

100th anniversary celebration of parish — health fair, gave such a Christian feeling. Felt proud, made me want to do more for the church. Feeling of power to be able to do much more than we were.

L84

Alpha program in Bermuda. Table talk allowed the congregation to become much closer to each other. Participants were able to share inner feelings. It created a very warm and special bond. I felt bombarded with love.

L85

30th anniversary celebration — sense of appreciation

L86

Small groups in parish allowed people to get to know each other in ways the layer church fellowship … difficult because of size.

L87

Every week at a very small Eucharist service where everyone participates in sharing the elements.

L88

a real sense of community. Chicago — after the alleluia — coming together around the community of worship. How people welcome enjoy each other — meeting a group of people who worship and are committed around the same common theme.

L89

raised Catholic. Through wife started to attend Presbyterian church. Found sense of community but found service stern. Met Episcopal. Priest where I found personal relationship with Jesus and warmth of service as in Catholic tradition.

L90

Freshman year very difficult — decided not to play basket ball and grandmother passed away — brought me back to church — realized that God is always there and need to give the problems into his hands — that realization helped me to get perspective — basket ball not as important anymore.

L91

Supported in youth — 14 yrs. Old — by congregation in prayer when I had rheumatic fever.

L92

Services in concert with churches other than his own order of St. Luke's participation.

L93

In baptisms — especially when generations are continued in church. Connection between that person and everyone else I church. Brought to tears because of the connection to Jesus.

L94

At a parish renewal week, asking for God's intervention with frustrations in dysfunctional church. Felt presence of Holy Spirit, very much at home, and responded to altar call, beginning a new chapter of healing in life.

L95

I year ago, during a confirmation class, 20 confirm ants, Bishop attended in his official capacity. It was a satisfactory occasion. Felt a sense of integrity, group feeling of pleasure, joy.

L96

Participating in the Civil Rights Movement — church started to become meaningful.. The church was a solace of safety and part of God's plan. The trip to Washington during the civil rights movement, the presence of Jesus was always felt.

L97

Born is US but moved to C. Islands then back to US. Experienced the Harvest of crops and the sharing process — poor but rich in the manner in which they shared — now works with feeding the poor and today that experience guides his belief and work in feeding the poor in ...area.

L98

When her mother—in—law passed away, she felt a real sense of security in the church family. The celebration of her passing made special the unity and community.

L99

In church for a retreat singing and praying together as a group and community the presence of Jesus was strong and present.

L100

Being present with the birth of my children

L101

after marriage to wife (Roman Catholic) and her acceptance in all activities by the Episcopal Church

L102

As a child, experienced the presence of God during healing from an accident.

L103

Order of St. Luke mission at church — pray for healing — asking Holy Spirit to come down. People opening hearts for healing and Jesus was there to work healing. Seeing people on knees asking for prayer.

L104

Christian retreat were a connection of love, understanding and encouragement from fellow believers

L105

Advent dance choreography, so everyone could face and meet everyone. Touched by Christ in the design was intention.

L106

protesters march against war with people (Episcopal) in NYC. Epic. Group of parishioners from all over tri—state area. Some had sons/daughters who were killed in Iraq. Touched by Jesus as a child — went to see Billy Graham. Felt a genuine sense of God's presence.

L107

Daughter born with Down's Syndrome — the way the parish I belong to was welcoming and received her potential, not just that she was 'cute'.

L108

Two years ago — student of theology. Implemented a bible study. Run well, good group, still ongoing — get a good sense of how Jesus gave into life — sense of devotion — presence in the group. Kept going after student left. When we talk or interpret can feel heart opening. better understanding

L109

When granddaughter was born 2 weeks old with infant botulism. Experimental drugs enabled the child to grow up. Presence of Jesus through grandchild who now has autism.

L110

Heifer International with youth group. A moving experience

L111

Brought up Episcopalian at St. Luke's. My mom had kids and wanted place closer at Holy Trinity. Baptized as infant. Confirmed last year. Younger did not like church — boring. Older now made confirmation learned more — we were smaller group of people — closer — not in larger congregation. My peers — free to ask questions with each other.

L112

Baptism of child being welcomed into the community. Felt like being part of a special worshiping community.

L113

At time of death of nephew out of state, the church rallied around and took care of all of the preparations of the funeral.

L114

Started in Alaska b/c of wife and lads. Establish community open and warm — no push to conform especially since in a mixed race relationship. It was comfortable to be there, Jesus as comforter. Spiritually changed people and environment helped to make the church become a part of his life. Church not playing Jesus but exuding his message.

L115

As a child found church a comfort. Later when I had children I found church a welcoming and meaningful place in my journey — this is a continuing process. Jesus has touched me through my children in very special ways.

L116

Bishop official visit: very powerful. Defining moment. His presence was powerful. Provide food and decorations and there was plenty and more. Knew God provided. We are small and poor, but for that event God provided.

L117

An experience at a Cursillo weekend. Helped me to have a personal center and with Jesus through the community that was there and seeing in the community as well as the written word — the presence of Christ.