David Taylor wrote for the stewardship brochure:

“When I first went into St. Mary’s Kerrisdale I was confronted by a large chancel window with Jesus surrounded by children. For me this was a promising sign that St. Mary’s is interested with the growth and development of families young and old. St. Mary’s is a family with many different gifts to give. One of these gifts is an investment by all our members in the lives of children and young families.”

 The church as a family is a familiar image to most of us.  In the Bible, there are many references to brothers and sisters in the early Christian community.  We may refer to God as Mother and/or Father.  We know that Jesus especially loved children.  As we begin to celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of St. Mary’s church it is interesting to wonder about the families who gathered together to create a common place for worship.  What activities were family centered in their parish life?  Did they have Sunday School, Mother’s meetings, Men’s workbees?  Were there pancake suppers and Christmas potlucks?  Certainly St. Mary’s grew from humble beginnings and attracted many families to share their faith and to support one another.  There are many people in our congregation now who began their faith journey as young children at St. Mary’s church.  They have wonderful stories to share of their experiences here. Perhaps you will have the opportunity during the coming year to learn more about their stories.  It is exciting to consider all the ways that God has been present in the lives of families here in our faith home.  The family meal has been shared for over 100 years at the table in our sanctuary.  Can you think of other  ways that we are family together?  Where has St. Mary’s nurtured your own growth and development as a child of God?  What do you think St. Mary’s might have to offer to families who don’t have a faith connection but are searching?  Why do you think it is important for St. Mary’s to investment in the faith journey of our children?