Gratitude
We are excited to share a special reflection from Laurie Pierce, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry. Last weekend, Laurie led a meaningful All-Parish retreat at Waycross that brought together the St. Paul's community in a powerful way. In Laurie's reflection below, she expresses her deep gratitude to everyone at St. Paul’s for their ongoing support and shares how this experience has helped to shape and inspire her ministry.
Laurie's words are a beautiful reminder of the transformative power of faith, connection and fellowship. We hope you’ll take a moment to read and reflect on the blessings we continue to share as a church family.
"Aleea is my oldest kiddo. She has always struggled with social anxiety. Whenever she was hurt as a baby, she would freeze - not cry. This inward holding of emotion has continued throughout her life. We spent years looking for the right counselor for her. She doesn’t stand in front of people; she doesn’t sing; she doesn’t like to be the center of attention, even on her birthday. When she unexpectedly had to change classrooms because her teacher left, the new teacher thought she had speech problems because she did not say a word. Even at church in her Godly Play room, the adult volunteer said she rarely spoke during her first year in the class.
YET on the All-Parish Retreat this past weekend, Aleea asked for her "Gollywop" small group to perform in the Skit Night twice. She wanted to perform an "improv" skit. When her group was called up again, the two other kids quickly chickened out. I watched from the sidelines and wondered what she would do without peer support, standing in front of everyone. The gracious, loving adults in her group came to the front again, all unsure what they were about to do, but they supported her just the same. The adults made the skit happen, saying things like “So Aleea, how do we do an improv skit?...Is this how it works for your math test too?” Aleea’s words were minimal, but she stood there and carried through her idea with adults she had just started interacting with that day. This moment, this transformation of my child, the ability for her to stand, to lead and to be supported by those around her was a gift to her and to me I can hardly put into words. She found safety in her church community and in that safety she got to experiment with her ideas. Thank you, adults in "Gollywop." Thank you, participants of the audience. Thank you, participants of other small groups on the retreat, who provided that safety and space for other kids. And thank you to all adults of this community who make a point to say “Great job reading today!” and “I love seeing you serve at the altar; you’re doing a great job.” Or “You’re back! I’ve missed see you.” Your presence, words and thoughtfulness towards our children and youth matters. It really matters. After being here for three years and attending the All-Parish Retreat Skit Night for two previous years, Aleea found a new pieces of herself – strength, bravery, leadership. And God said “It was good.”
*Please continue to relate to Aleea as you normally would. She still would not enjoy being the center of attention because I'm sharing this story. I did ask her permission. She asked to read it. I was nervous because I thought she'd be embarrassed and say 'no.' Instead, she read through it - while I nervously held my breath and she said "Ok! You just misspelled a word."'
Laurie Pierce, Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry
As we continue to celebrate the spirit and community that make St. Paul’s such a special place, we want to hear from YOU! Parishioners are invited to share stories or reflections about what makes St. Paul’s meaningful to you. Whether it’s a cherished memory, a personal testimony or something you appreciate about our church family, we’d love to hear it. Your stories will help us celebrate the heart of our community and may be highlighted in future newsletters, social media or during upcoming services (we cannot promise that all stories will be published in eConnections). Please click here to email your stories to Meegan Kriner or drop a note at the church office. Please feel free to include photos as well! Together, let’s continue to build and share the love that makes St. Paul’s home.
