Weekly Reflection - 6/26/24

St. Mary's Reflection:Amy Nachman, Vestry Member

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

I recently attended my 45th college reunion. At the risk of sounding too much like Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino exclaiming “ get off my lawn”, I was astounded by how disconnected the students were walking to classes on the shores of Lake Michigan. Almost everyone was on their phone, using noise cancelling headphones or just looking down. I couldn’t help but compare this to my time at Northwestern in the 70’s- we looked up, said hey, smiled, asked how their holiday was, said “ see you Saturday at our dorm’s party”. I certainly realize how convenient and informative our digital devices are , but I do wonder about their contributions to increases in isolation, depression, anxiety and even suicide.

Just as “ unselfish love is an antidote for the divisions ailing society” said some Episcopalians from the Diocese of Los Angeles after attending the screening of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s film “ A Case for Love”, I feel like the thriving parish community of an active and compelling church like St. Mary’s is an antidote to feelings of isolation, depression and loneliness. And to how disconnected we are as a society. I’ve even heard a young professional say part of why she attends church is because of the community aspect. It can be difficult to find a community out there.

As our Minister says “people are hungry for this”.

I know with the Pastoral Care Committee we’re constantly reaching out to those in need, and the support, help, visits, walks, notes and prayers are greatly appreciated. When I initially got involved, I had second thoughts wondering if my time was better spent helping the hungry and cold out in the complicated world. When I mentioned this to David Erickson, he instantly replied “ we take care of ourselves and then we take care of others.”

A recent UCLA study deduced that when we help others it benefits us not only psychologically, mentally and spiritually, but also physically. Isn’t that something !?! Talk about a win win scenario. So, let’s keep our beloved, life affirming community firing on all cylinders and get the word out that what people may just be yearning for is at the corner of Union and Steiner inside our soothing, beautiful courtyard which Deacon Tim describes as “ almost being in another dimension”.

Amy Nachman,

Vestry Member