In the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to reflect quite a bit. In our present-day world, it is a necessity. I work each day to have time to let my thoughts move to the place where our world circumstances cause me to be confused and perplexed. I then begin to pray about it.
A reflection by Mary Lou Edgar for July 20, 2025.
It seems that as I pray about what I am hearing in the world, I understand it all less.
I was not raised to know the Bible and now I am reading it and learning so much. But one thing often leads to another, and I’m confused again. As a social worker, I have learned to watch and listen, patiently waiting for answers to come to me. Now, I find that I do that with prayer. I wait and I listen. It’s working!
When my family began to investigate joining SsAM, I remember telling Father David that I didn’t really want to be involved in much (or anything). Fr. David said that he was fine and then he retired. When Fr. Jim came to be with us, he asked every Sunday for someone to work with the Children’s Chapel. I gave myself a pass on that one because I felt I was too old, and I didn’t know that much about being a member of the Episcopal Church. I put it out of my head. But when I sat down to pray, it kept coming back.
I remembered how I had so many questions as a child and no one to answer them. I worked with children for many years but have not done that for some time. The urge became stronger, and I decided to give it a try. Don’t ever talk to me about the Holy Spirit; I’m in my third session. What I found was that I still loved it. I learned as much as the kids did. Our numbers have dwindled, but I believe that is because we have so much happening and lots of different opinions.
So how do we as a community look at our church family and begin to provide some of what everyone needs?
I have attended many spiritual events at SsAM. All are moving and give meaning to the liturgies. There are so many talented people. But to speak as a child would, “they are all for big people.” Kids have their own language and their own understanding of things which are colored by development. They look at things differently. That childlike understanding enhances my faith experience. I think it would yours too. I want to get to the point. Let me dive in!
On the 27th of July, we are having an outside parish liturgy, a celebration of the Eucharist, followed by a cookout and picnic. We want everyone to come in summer clothes and bring a bathing suit if you are comfortable. After we eat, we will have use of an in-ground pool for the entire afternoon. Lifeguards are provided. We will also have games galore — corn hole, basketball, soccer, and water games. Everyone will bring a dish to share – hopefully a big one because we want everyone to come. SsAM will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls, condiments, plastic and paper products, and dessert (but bring another one if you would like).
We need men and ladies to cook, ladies and men to set up and serve.
There will be no rain date because there is plenty of inside space if needed. There are lots of bathrooms. We hope everyone will get in touch with the child within them and play with each other and our wonderful kids. Please bring friends and grandchildren. Then, be ready to eat, visit with old friends, and play!! Especially in difficult times, we need to do more of this. As I write this, we only have 14 people signed up. Please call D-L at the church or me, Mary Lou Edgar no later than July 21. Let us know who in your group is coming (how many children, how many adults), what you are bringing and how many in your group are swimming.
Thank you for planning to have fun with us. FUN is a wonderful gift from God!!!!
God bless you all!
_____________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mary Lou Edgar, MSS, is a clinical social worker who founded A Better Chance for Our Children, an adoption and foster care agency that works to find permanent homes for children in the foster care system. Mary Lou was the Executive Director of ABCFOC, but she is now retired. She graduated from Neumann University and Bryn Mawr School of Social Work and Social Research. She and her husband joined SsAM in 2021.
