Like a Good Neighbor

"Every child should have a caring adult in their lives. And that's not always a biological parent or family member. It may be a friend or neighbor. Often times it is a teacher." - Joe Manchin

Sometimes I am more than a little proud of my primary profession as an educator. I love teaching. I can remember the first time I was in front of a classroom. I was teaching adjunct at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. The course was Introduction to Public Speaking, a night course, and most of the class was older than me. Still, the moment that a student understands a concept and applies that understanding in a practical way, the moment you see "the light bulb" illuminate above their head, there is such a feeling of accomplishment. You know that you made a difference in their lives.

Making a difference and being good neighbors is an important part of our faith as well. When asked, "Who is my neighbor?", Christ's response was unequivocal - everyone is our neighbor. In Lawrence Park, our neighbors have very special needs. Statistical data shows that there are more single parents, especially single mothers, in our zip code than anywhere else in Erie County. Our desire is always to reach out to neighbors and try to meet their special needs. While it's often difficult for congregations of our size to make a significant impact, we do have a resource that can be shared - our facility. We can certainly make a difference in the lives of others by reaching out in some ways to these parents who have to work very hard to raise their children.

With the exception of the community meals program, our building is empty Sunday's after Holy Eucharist through Saturday morning when I start the weekend with Morning Prayer. This July, I was approached by the YMCA to ask if we would be one of the sites where they might conduct their pre-school, before/after school program for children with parents who work, work early (before school hours), or work late (after school hours). The program, with it's fully qualified and certified teachers and staff, has been successful in other churches, including St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Waterford, PA. Fr. Norm Field sings the praises of the relationship. Our use agreement with the YMCA is modeled on that agreement and is being reviewed by both the bishop and the diocesan chancellor.

In the coming weeks and months, we will be entering into this agreement with those who are having a positive impact on our neighbors - providing care and guidance for children of parents who have to work hard and long hours, providing a safe place for young people to come to enhance their learning, providing direction and opportunity to care-givers and cared-for alike. Our bishop has asked us not to be "absent landlords" in this new ministry, but to uncover new and exciting ways by which we as a faith community can also have an impact on these young people and their families.

We are called to be good neighbors. We are called to share the gifts and resources that God has given us to benefit others. I am certain that the congregation of St. Mary's will rise to this ministerial challenge that God has set before us.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Shawn