Question 1: Tell a story about a time of real Christian Community How were you touched by the presence of Jesus.
C1	Foot washing liturgy on a Cursillo weekend. A woman who had been raped several years earlier allow this priest to touch her feet. (First time she allowed someone to touch her.)
C2	in the celebration of the Eucharist the gathering of the body of Christ; come together in Christ there's where we discover and affirm our identity; the presence of Christ is experienced in the gathering, Sunday am.
C3	Warm greeting at a church, when returning to church — priest visited in home — after 2 months — deeply involved and impressed with community
C4	Newark festival. Only the church can bring people of diverse backgrounds to experience joy — in the middle of summer — I felt Christ had sought in together to have fun. I was touched by how Christ brings all different places to have a party
C5	At a youth retreat — pastoral care by priest to gravely ill — to priest associate — baptism — crying baby became quiet at seeing angels
C6	Meningitis — support of parish, community and family while in hospital, Bishop came with communion — Father—in—law dying — priest left parish community between services to take him communion — the present parish cares for him and family, seeing them come together as parish community.
C7	Cursillo — seeing Jesus in others — giving up prejudice against those in South Jersey
C8	When I fell in love as seminarian faced with all-white conf. class of middle-schoolers. Admitted terror to them; the youth embraced me with love. My fears disappeared. Developed wonderful relationships. The rector did not understand — asked for explanation as the youth never listened to former curate, but they listened to me because I shared my fear and love with them.
C9	About ten years with the formation of W.P.E in Chicago when the family member received communion even when the family was about to be ejected from the church.
C10	Conflict in Algeria (1967) — student killing of the innocents by Muslims of North was called to make situation known in U.S. of the Biafran cause. Spoke to churches in U.S. similar to situation in Iraq. Had to tell story. Persecution of Christians
C11	Church sponsoring 12 step group.
C12	At the early age feeling love of congregation — later in seminary working for an urban church and finding Christ in the midst of this neighborhood.
C13	An anti—gay man passed away and a gay man reached out to support his wife and daughter as an usher at the man's funeral despite having been verbally abused by the deceased gentleman
C14	12 years ago boy with brain tumor. We prayed in the church, and the whole church came out and laid their hands on him, and prayed for them — the whole community came focused. When he died the whole town came to church and a foundation was formed to help children with brain tumors.
C15	1998 — hurricane in SDQ, asked for support, $ and pastoral "sacrificial sharing" great sense of belonging when they responded — offering w/o asking — times of sacrifice, Diocese is always there. The whole Carib and Central America, compassion and support saw presence of Christ in the Diocese. They see the need and want to where whatever they had.
C16	during a family health crisis — unable to pray— he realized that the Christian community was praying for him — instead. That realization was liberating and allowed him again to pray.
C17	Experience in the Methodist church, found in Anglican church richness of the sacramental life that awareness his whole spirit.
C18	Every time at altar, distributing communion — bread into little upturned hands, children saying "thank you"
C19	At different stages of my life there has been a continues sense of Xtian community that has come through clergy leadership and through unity, through worship as communicated through activities. Each of these experiences have touched me by the presence of XT
C20	I have experienced real sense of community more times in my life. In the ongoing daily part of the journey I find Jesus again and again in the expected/unexpected moments of my life.
C21	last Sunday at 10 year pastorate. Articulation of the end of age phrase of life and the beginning of another
C22	After 3 yrs in Va. — having had impact on ministry there. The kids in the parish presented a framed testimonial with representations of the names of children. Touching of hearts
C23	From youth — have not felt community since ordination — God squad during high school — purpose was to share gospel and power of Holy Spirit without agenda — focused on right things
C24	gathering together for youth conferences and discovering Jesus present in the of people and experiences
C25	when gathered with diocese
C26	leading a group of worshipers to meet God at the altar, meeting God in worship
C27	personal health care loss of home (everything) — contract ran off w/insurance $, church showed up with prayer and tools and finished home in 8 weeks — moved in on thanksgiving. Had been living for 1 yr in one roar w/3 kids. The folks that showed up were generous w/$ and many were strangers as well
C28	When I first came into Episcopal Church after life crisis came crashing in, the community held me closely in prayer that I truly felt the presence of Jesus Christ healing there, this community engaged in seeing me thru it.
C29	living in Boston, St. John; and when moved to NY — was one thing that regretted most — missing the vitality of that former congregation — community
C30	parishioner, early 40's, mother, had a stroke, hanging on to life — learned of this just as entering church to celebrate — vigil of prayer form congregation — died — church family rallied around family and provided to the family
C31	At camp — it was much fun — have fun clergy had to put everything out there— you are who you are. You see the beginning and an end —but flexible planned. See Jesus in group
C32	Happening staff. Touched by the experience of teens being touched by Jesus — when they get it
C33	When I was a curate and rector left suddenly at Christmas, I was left to do everything. Community pulled together and supported me, one another, the ministries
C34	college — off campus church, at church 5x/week small group; touched by Jesus when in a community of faith
C35	consecration of Bp. Of Louisiana 27 years ago with mass choirs/which this person was pastor. Felt the presence of Jesus in music and community. My shepherd will supply my need was the opening hymn
C36	Interim ministry. A good match of clergy and people. Two way affirmation. Jesus presences when folk are in harmony
C37	Renovation a parish hall — wherever the need for the next stage — a volunteer appeared or friend from outside the parish appeared. 76 yrs old fainted and stroke — after open heart surged, vestry paid for it — no arguments
C38	death of a son of a parishioner killed in air force crash at age 36 — coming together of church to support — including clipping down a tree that fell — sensing practical things and continues sensitivity to this family
C39	VBS some years ago — an enormous sense of joyous mutual love and caring. Kids from homeless shelter were invited who had not ever known this kind of community and mere embraced in that moment by caring Christian community with love
C40	Presence of Jesus is strong after private meditation and prayer. In community of presence of Lord in reaching out to other who came for direction and advice. Our one outward is when it is most obvious touched by Jesus in so many events — open my purpose to others.
C41	When I got sick — parish in a community all so supportive, all surrounding brought food, etc. did errands, presence of Christ in everyone
C42	During a young person's pilgrimage to North England this summer. Observing their depth and their willingness to share with each other and with adults: love, loss, vulnerability, song. Power of spirit in their care for one another. Had hoped, but not expected for the kind of communal response
C43	Met a group of Christians who respond to needs of others. Have a real sense o servant ministry. Total amazement that they respond so well in their baptismal vows
C44	When mother died, ministered to my community — presence of Christ in people ministering
C45	There was a 42 yr. Old woman diagnosed with leukemia. Watching the parish rally around her was amazing. It came from lay people without clergy leadership
C46	El Salvador — people in extreme poverty, great with joy and give shirt off their back — people slaving over hot stoves — other in shade — Anglo's arrive in Akron — not about money — about community a Jesus — humble, generous, truthful
C47	days of Sunday school kid — yet, a member of church family — belonging, yet no support on parents part — inter—generational activities a priority — presence of others affection and responsibility
C48	Cursillo
C49	see #2
C50	Diocese. Of Bethlehem had festival "share the bread." planning team was mixed clergy and laity. All congregations were involve with many opportunities for interaction. Festival Eucharist with diversity of people offering gifts to the liturgy — form presentation of bread and wine to the creation to the altar itself. All Sunday schools made bread with loaves not used going back to be shared in parishes. Touched by the joy, openness in Christ and felt great about being an Episcopalian in the Diocese of Bethlehem.
C51	Age 30 scientific Expedition in Amazon, living in the native groups; remote site; Christian community of native people; singing Christian songs scientists hard agnostics; prayed for scientific group as did work; common
C52	while in CPE in psyc. In Islip in residential ecumenical community for one and half yrs. Saved in radical ministry — vulnerability and support. Full time CPE for one and half yrs. Felt reflected in self woundedness in mutual humanity.
C53	Ordination at Evangels — looks back at continuity church family. So many different churches and backgrounds — depth of their experiences
C54	Ft. Dixie — encountered Christian scientist who gave him Ps 91:7 to hold as he shipped out to Vietnam. He shared its protection with 4,000 others who shared it with community of faith
C55	1st visit to Latin America — spent Sunday with local priest/church in Ecuador. Connection in Christ across cultural boundaries
C56	worship experiences with General Convention — worship with people from whole Episcopal Church — in different languages and different musical style sharing Eucharist in disagreement. God's presence holding diversity in communion together
C57	While interim priest in congregation that was in this enthusiastic for church, community. Volunteered — willingness to serve — open to new possibilities
C58	way asked by co—worker to start bible study at work, there is sense of community doing this — co—workers are all black save one and they come from different denominations and perspectives — try to integrate study into present life — people bring up questions and problems from their life. they are facing. Thru this we are learning about each other , supporting each other
C59	Particular series of adult affirmations series while individual save very open, honest, sensitive, sharing of what it meant to be Christian
C60	When I was lay leader/choir director in small church which inspired me to be priest
C61	acolyte — serving as co member of youth group — did not always agree with church, but loved community — friendship — adults were important — as mentors to youth — sense of community — how Jesus' presence expressed
C62	in CPE during Bapt. Dying young man with his family
C63	1st Episcopal Parish after life—long catholic upbringing: mutual care of others in body of Christ, i.e. coming together to pursue Xian mission via ministry
C64	working at world trade center and during hurricane Hugo. Many people of many faiths, cultures working together. Doing Christ's work. All these people working endless hours with little regard for themselves. Seeing Christ in all their faces
C65	At rally Sunday, felt everyone coming together — variety of personalities, talents
C66	people from congregation who helped with move into new home while wife was dying
C67	at my home parish a 12 yr. Old who commit suicide. It was awful but the most grace filled time. Because it was a time when everyone's pretenses where stripped away and really all we had left was our faith in resurrection
C68	served in parish as curate, the priest in church — while priest in charge parish exhibited grace of God in their acceptance and love
C69	During blackout of '02 or '03 , parish I was serving. The church remained open all night, laity, staff volunteered to be there as people of all walks of life — CEO's, street people — slept together on pews. Avery powerful experience.
C70	In fr. High School attended Episcopal Summer camp shared by 3 diverse Diocesan Campers from very dicers backgrounds. Moved by how this diversity became a unity in regular acts of common prayer. To this day I still reach out to these brothers and sisters in Christ.
C71	Habitats for Humanity — mix so 10 different people engaged in mission. All working together. Feeling supported in working on a difficult project that would be of great value to those in need. A holy time .. Not a perfect time but holy time.
C72	Returning to church where she worshiped previously but not in wheel chair. Welcome committee came, priest came and up shawl around her. Welcome was overwhelming.
C73	have many events centered on Eucharist — late night "lock—up" with youth was great and holy
C74	Supply priest at early service — full church — reverence of worshipping community at the Eucharist. Stayed in as priest in charge — blessed to be celebrant and leading the community in worship
C75	people reach out to other people, support with money, time, children worship, gifts form the community
C76	during father's retirement , experiencing the love of his ministry, being with people who shaped me. Although I would to see these people again the connection will never be broken.
C77	Was chaplain to group of 15 HS. kids to England J2A. Close knit group of kids. Conf. Class — apprentices to Christ — love as have been loved by Christ. Practice in different setting on trip — may not like each other all the time, but can still love each other even in stressful situation of living in close quarters for 2 weeks.
C78	recovery means about ordination process — experience compassion and concern, support by community — felt presence of Jesus
C79	A retreat with the children I was preparing for confirmation. Hey were so open to learning about the meaning of baptism and HC. In this experience the children were not just talked to, they were living and doing what Jesus did. This experience actually was my call to ordained ministry. About unconditional love.
C80	Sunday morning liturgy and Eucharist. Gratefulness for people's presence. Community gathered for worship
C81	Sermon changed into prayer offering for parishioner who had fainted — liturgy opted to circumstance
C82	Rector left at GMC after I owned church. In interim, we experienced mutual care and concern and was solid experience of Jesus making His presence known in the community
C83	A huge sense of community during the Eucharist — like a since connectedness, which include the sense of Jesus. A sense of transfiguration in the moment
C84	Facing homelessness personally. Met a fellow Xian, asked how he was — told him he was upset, this fellow offered him his home
C85	After H.C. Sunday after 9/11 packed church seeking answers — community looking for solace, comfort, hope — 1x in that place
C86	Preached at Cathedral re transfiguration — sense that audience at baptism, marriages, cathedral gathering, etc. Creates transfiguration
C87
C88	Six visitors at the hospital at one time — pleasantly astounded that so many different communities came together for me in my hour of need. Jesus comes to me through people — the immanent experience of Jesus
C89	at a Vocare weekend while in college. A retreat. First time I rally accepted and understood that I was a loved child of God and there was nothing — more or less — I had to do to be worthy of that love
C90
C91	Bishop Van Duzer's funeral — everyone was united, no division
C92	confirmation class — huge class — kids and adults — culminate of a couple of years of work together — wonderful day — big party afterwards — spirit filled event — felt very connected to congregation.
C93	Husband died — organist at St. Mark's, Mendham — parish was wonderful, Bishop sat in congregation, nuns, colleagues, about 400 people at funeral overflow crowd. Communities coming together — wonderful sense of Christ's presence.
C94	reaffirmation prep. Process, about 10 years ago, at a Seder—like meal, feeling connected to the last supper really church Eucharist's.
C95	On retreats/intention gatherings outside parish: being away allows sense of community to build, — extended time/meals/whole day together — leads to sense of being the body of Christ.
C96	Team building around Christian Ed. Clergy and lay together. Visioning from child — adult education. Took Baptismal covenant as basis for process. Encourage teens participate justice issues. This process created a unity through Holy Spirit. Issues became not the focus but unity of spirit — all working together all felt touched by Holy Spirit.
C97	Husband is disabled and his chair has enabled him to be a mentor and supported him wonderfully. One mentor of choir is inspired by his presence in encouraging her atop come to choir even when she feels like not going.
C98	3 of us in parish took kids to Overlook Farm. Real sense of he Christian community our kids had. It was good to take kids out of their comfort zones. Presence of Jesus came to me in that thru the sense of acceptance and value we all had for each other.
C99	Life changing lay ministry working in a settlement church in Trenton — people who did not have food to eat and lived in poverty. Able to start a program there so able to pray with them — saw Jesus — eyes looking right at me and through me as white person of affluence from suburbs. Jesus challenging me to do something. not holding my hand and comforting me but saying go and do likewise — serve of Xian community working with that population — because so apparent to me just now.
C100	When in school for deacons, end of pastoral ed. Sat together, talked about each other — know own faults, see how others see us — Christ present in learning, how we saw each other — felt very accepted — unnerving how not understood — but supported by Xn. community.
C101	Christmas service getting an overwhelming sense that my calling was to be a priest
C102	Be seen from outside as healthy, respect each other, living out gospel, fun, honor and raise up diversity as imp. Inner city ministry.
C103	Most profound — teenagers, enjoyed their gifts. Priest can be both child and an adult. Could be a priest, pastor and friend. How Jesus is a part of our day to day. Keeping up with kids over the years. To see that children reflect the love of Jesus.
C104	Every Sunday. Mainly in the Eucharist — hearing Jesus speak in the Gospel
C105	day I could not go to Anglican Church in Nigeria — decided to go to church anyway — assemblies of God. Worship so different emphasis on salvation of Jesus Christ. In touch with saving presence of Jesus Christ. Made a commitment to Jesus Christ. my life was different. Responsibility to Jesus over myself.
C106	Late 80's — working with AIDS community — became church community touched by a volunteer cook who saw the "Jesus" movement.
C107	post 9/11 as chaplain at WTC site for 10 weeks, Jesus among the suffering. So much emotion — positive and negative — Gospel so apparent — John
C108	Interim — mission by another church plant. Many military personnel. There families have peace of shortness of life — they do not hold back. Intense feeling of joy in our gatherings. Everyone wanted to be there. Hospitality, welcoming, Jesus had a really good line there. Supporting of each other.
C109	Evangelism community at church finally got it — that church growth was not primary reason for being, but rather the work was to bring people to a personal relationship with Christ — process took 5 years. Christ was present on the night when it all came together.
C110	Worshipping together with my seminary classmates in the chapel especially at the Holy Eucharist
C111	Realization of the global nature of the church, when coming to the USA from another country. Jesus enabled me immediately to participate fully in liturgy and worship.
C112
C113	As a child felt he was in God's and peers' presence. Devout teacher, and the presence both of God and others is really important in his life.
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