CONVERSATION CORNER - SUMMER

• “In the mid-1980s, I was in a very dark place as far as feeling I had any kind of church home or community. Three pretty monumental letdowns in a row had about done me in. Over my deep misgivings, Fr. John Meyer convinced me to try a limited return to music ministry.

Surrounded by the choir, the bell ringers, other instrumentalists and indeed the whole congregation and clergy of St. Margaret’s, I gradually experienced a healing and eventually discovered that I had finally found a church home.

I felt that being a paid employee of a parish as well as a member could create problems, so Joyce and I never formally joined St. Margaret’s. However I did perform the canonical requirements of membership (communing and contributing), and one of our daughters was married here. And St. Margaret’s will be our final home, as Joyce and I have secured a place in the columbarium. 

Recently Susan Isherwood called for favorite anthems just as I happened to be listening to one that the choir and I did together: “Draw Us in the Spirit’s Tether.” The words sum up the blessing that all of St. Margaret's has been to me:

“Draw us in the Spirit’s tether; For when humbly, in thy name,
Two or three are met together, Thou art in the midst of them: …
Alleluya! Alleluya! So knit thou our friendship up.”

 ~ John S., Choir Director/Organist (1987-2003)

• “When I'm feeling low, whether it’s morning malaise or dragging my wagon in the afternoon, gardening always provides a lift. After weeding our church, cemetery and rectory gardens recently, I perked them up with a good drink of water. As they raised their heads, I felt we were having a conversation, and in that moment we were all blessed. I love recounting and sharing our blessings – it’s such a good generator for gratitude.” ~ Barbara F.

• “My family and I take great comfort in knowing that the Intercessory Prayer Group regularly prays for those in need. This has been a real blessing to us. Thank you, St. Margaret’s!” ~ Phil R.

• “I give heartfelt thanks to the special people of St. Margaret’s who still keep my mom, Joan Szigethy, in their thoughts and prayers, and to those who often visit her. Mom, now 89, has been in a nursing home for three years now – yes, three years! She remembers her SMC friends and has happy memories of so many wonderful church events. They never fail to bring a smile to her face.

I also must sing accolades about our parish family who have been such a tremendous support system to me over the past year as I grieved over the loss of my younger brother, Eddie. For those who are unaware, Eddie passed away unexpectedly. It’s been one day at a time, helping my mom cope, my immediate family cope, and trying to support Eddie’s wife and daughters from a distance (they are in N.C). Thank you seems hardly enough, but it is the St. Margaret’s family that has truly helped me make it through this difficult period of time. I am grateful to be a part of this wonderful parish family and thankful to God for providing the path to this great place.” ~ Debbie McG.

• “Being an acolyte has been a blessing to me!” ~ Kathleen C.

• “Connecting with people through music has been a life-long blessing for me. I am grateful for the people I meet through choir, our wonderful choral music library and for people’s openness to experience new music during services.” ~ Susan I.

• “I feel blessed to have had a loving parish family for 50+ years. My children, husband and I all made lasting friendships here by participating in various activities.” ~ Edith A.                                    

• “I feel blessed knowing that I am a member of a spiritual community here at St. Margaret’s. It gives me a palpable “sense of place” in that no matter where I am in my life, the community always opens its doors and invites me into a loving home.”  ~ Barbara H.

• “Rising incense and its fragrance at Fr. Paul’s 50^th anniversary Mass brought back several memories of blessed moments at St. Margaret’s.

- Delivering a series of Adult Forums on “The Way of the Penitent Heart” and facilitating spirit-filled conversation.

- Watching the total lunar eclipse on the night of the Harvest Supermoon in the parking lot with parishioners and friends.

- Gathering for practice and fellowship at my daughter’s wedding rehearsal and dinner on the back lawn of St. Margaret’s, and hearing so many compliments on the country setting and surrounding natural beauty of our church.

- Singing in the choir on so many occasions with Chet and Pat – memories I will treasure for the rest of my life." ~ Anton A.

• “I’m happy to be a member of St. Margaret’s and feel blessed to be part of the Thursday morning group. Our post-Bible Study lunches and outings are filled with good times and creative, caring fellowship.” ~ Dee Dee F.

• “I’m surrounded by blessings every day: my family, my church, my job, my home, my health, my life in a country where I’m free to do what I choose, and so many more. In writing this now, I realize that I must do a better job of acknowledging my blessings, and not take them for granted as we so often do. Thank you God for all the blessings in my life. May You and those around me know my gratitude through my efforts to do what is right and good in Your sight.” ~ Kim I. #feelingblessedtoday