Our My Story occasional series invites St. Mark’s members to share their stories guided by these prompts:
- What brought you to St. Mark’s?
- What keeps you coming back to St. Mark’s?
- Where have you recently seen God at work in your life and/or at St. Mark’s?
Today’s submission is from DEBBIE KISTLER. Thank you Debbie for sharing your story!
When the time came for me to join a different parish, St. Mark’s was one of the churches I considered. I had already volunteered at St. Mark’s and made further connections at diocesan events. Though other churches had wonderful opportunities to offer and great work being done, it was St. Mark’s people who helped me make my choice. I witnessed how members reached out to the wider community, inviting others to join them in their work. I wanted to learn how to do this! I appreciated people being aware and respectful of the times I wanted to “know more” and just wanted “to be still.” I felt I could use more experience with that. I observed people using their talents with love and being truly welcoming: idea generators, organizers and followers, artists and cooks, talkers and listeners, those who use music to connect and those who share years of St. Mark’s history.
St. Mark’s is also a community with individuals who do not always agree, do not always like chosen directions, and even have pulled back at times. But together they pull through, always reassessing, and doing their best to listen to each other with respect. With each new person who has come through St. Mark’s doors there has been wisdom shared, needed observations made, and gifts accepted. I have witnessed the movement of the Holy Spirit alive and thriving at St. Mark’s. This is nourishment my soul needs.
Fr. Richard, our rector and leader, regularly reminds us of whose work we are doing. He guides us to not only pray but to listen for the answers and acknowledges this work will be challenging. He supports as well as encourages us to step outside our doors, guided by Jesus’ walk, God’s words and the Holy Spirit’s presence. Fr. Richard doesn’t do this alone. He invites, mentors, and steps aside so others too minister, preach and evangelize. I think St. Mark’s congregation is truly blessed by this shared ministry.
Looking back, I can actually pinpoint where the Trinity has been in my life. From experiencing deep times of prayer asking for change, anger so great at God that prayers were filled with hate, to finding gratitude for what I did not know at the time was there to guide and surround me with unconditional love.
Being at St. Mark’s has helped my personal journey in many ways. It has opened pathways for me to volunteer, allowed me to say “not yet” or even “no,” encouraged me when I stepped forward in various ministries, let me share my experiences in Education for Ministry (EfM) and Cursillo, supported me as I learn to be a Lay Preacher, been beside me as my beloved John went on his new adventure with our Lord, prayed for me, guided me back to ‘love’ when I found myself reaching out in anger; are just a few of the ways you all have shined your light to help guide me.
With loving gratitude, Debbie Kistler