by Jim Reid
My fellow parishioners:
My path to becoming an Episcopalian is a little convoluted. I learned only in the past few years through genealogical research that my maternal grandparents were Episcopalians. At a young age, my mother became a Presbyterian; I wish I knew the details. My father was what I’d call generic Protestant, details unknown. I married a Catholic lady but, although I attended church with her, always felt as though I were living on the fringes. When my wife passed a couple of years ago, I went looking for a new church to attend. Holy Family was my second stop; there was no need to go further. I was home.
That brings us to stewardship. The pastor of a previous parish said, “I have to keep the lights on.” There is more to it than that, of course: Building maintenance, other utilities, insurance, salaries. And don’t forget our grounds, our campus, our outdoor cathedral (a term I am unashamedly “borrowing”). That’s our base but we can’t really call ourselves Christians if we don’t reach out to those less fortunate than we.
The need is everywhere. The list is available on our web page, but I’ll repeat it, at least in part, here: Diocese of Atlanta, Good Samaritan Health and Wellness, Pickens Community Thrift Store, CARES of Pickens County, Appalachian Children’s Emergency Shelter, Mountain Stewards, and Angels on Horseback. The preceding items are in north Georgia; we also support three missionary efforts off our shores.
I’m retired and am embarrassed to admit I do not yet properly donate my time or my treasure, but I’m working on it. As a result of COVID-19 having thrust virtual services upon us, I’ve recently become a member of the parish media team, a task I never imagined enjoying. That effort could use more volunteers; if I can do it, anyone can do it.
Bring your time. Bring your treasure. I don’t think God asks more of us than we can spare. Jim Reid