Lay: Tell about a time you felt formed and supported by the church to live out your Christian identity in daily life.

L1

that has not happened to me yet. I have only been here a few years

L2

When struggling about making a commitment of this denomination, found great support from ministers

L3

Subject recalls individual of a very charismatic Catholic background moved in with native communist beliefs.

L4

Looking at Book of Common Prayer for first time. Following rubrics in BCP (morning and prayer) makes you realize role in life. Think things through more — less likely to snap — devotional aspect increased, becoming better.

L5

In my youth, I assisted. . .

L6

As a teen experiencing different activities including teen altar guild choir. Activities were made available for teens to allow them to feel not only as a part but appreciated for them. . .

L7

Activities e.g. vestry, warden. Stewardship and other activities have helped form and explore commitment. This in turn affects daily life.

L8

Tuesday youth group was sixteen of my best and trusted friends, not weekend friends. What has made me comfortable as a leader to my peers, being formed, was precious. I am sensing that now. I hope they are all getting on ok.

L9

Formation from young child until young adult support came through activities provided by church.

L10

During St. Francistide, lifted in prayer everyday.

L11

I suppose when I was received into the Episcopal Church (raised Roman Catholic). I felt freed and supported and accepted as I was.

L12

In college, I went to a church where the priest and the community were like a family to you. They fed us, they saw to it that we were part of the congregation. In turn, were expected to serve. They treated us as adult Christians. They were very understanding.

L13

I am not sure what my Christian identity is. We never spend any time talking about in church — we are searching for a way to bring our Christian identity into our daily lives.

L14

Through work, post 9/11, I had to terminate employees; found more heartfelt empathy — could really relate and felt in touch with those who were being let go — found Sunday at church really important — needed support from faith community and needed to be more in touch with the lives he was part of.

L15

Ongoing process over time following her baptismal vows

L16

When moved to New Jersey was away from extended family — found people at church to give to because of love that it is share in the church.

L17

"Journey" classes — learned more of my faith/increased daily prayer — understood Episcopal Church

L18

Bible study and mid-week Eucharist. Coming to table as community. Prayers of people when they are personal

L19

Work at cathedral — supported by community — many organizations —n help to act out.

L20

L21

Church instilled a sense of community and service. Then worked with young people to nurture same values in teenagers.

L22

Examples set by clergy — mirrored my values — I feel the relationship and kinship — as a Brother or Sister in Christ

L23

By really listening to sermons, I understood that it was work and that I had to become a worker for Christ to do great things to touch others.

L24

When confirmed at age ten. Confirmation powerful "was like a switch being turned on". Felt a part of the church. Laid frame work for rest of life.

L25

Elected to vestry and on vestry retreat got to know other vestry members, living community. Opened up to each other. Ability of church to bring people together, see value of Christian identity.

L26

take what learned in past, wanted to give back church supported her to begin and continue health fairs for community and to pass on her blessings and knowledge

L27

At St. Peter's in charge of Christian Education, became a formative experience because I had to be a leader — intentional about what I did — a good experience

L28

world events and church's feelings, different perspective of opinions

L29

Church was there during teen years as support group and now in college as a haven. Beliefs effect views on world and national events

L30

Involvement with smaller parish — great focus on community — focus on Christian community, reaching out — flexible worship styles acts included

L31

Lost child/work responsible left church — husband died as well — back in church as getting ….. Family and church very supportive — many ministries

L32

outreach to an inner—city parish; taking time from daily schedule to help others — sense of involvement, heightens empathy; seeing the church in action

L33

Supported by church during divorce and being able to continue develop an higher sense of Christian identity

L34

Went being confirmed in the Lutheran church. Talked about faith. It really hit me with congregation was rooting for me. More recently had a car accident, people from the church all helped.

L35

I feel that the church family is extremely supportive of my role in working with special needs children and communicates love and concern to there children. When I bring them to church services and functions.

L36

My spirituality was formed and supported by church activities by learning of God and comparative religions and focusing of learning of God thru prayer.

L37

Continual presence — family sicknesses

L38

Well supported during deep family troubles. The right priest was sent by God at the best time.

L39

1. people at the Sunday night dinner at St. Paul's 2. what if the church, Christ, did not exist. This is why I am here 3. being part of something that is bigger then me

L40

Losing my job; the church helped find me a job.

L41

Becoming more involved in her parish. Also sharing her experience in her daily life — every day.

L42

Year and half ago met Gene Robinson at outfest. Meeting him affected me — he is so wonderful. Reinforced what Christianity is — how unchristian, like the dioceses looking for alternate oversight.

L43

. . . .

L44

L45

L46

Serving as member of church committees gave her growth and saw how others supported her and her worth. As teacher, felt children could see her religious side more that she realized. Parents were very spiritual so feels she has the same level of spirituality.

L47

Being a Sr. warden in city, formed a joint member with another church whose attendance who failing the two    worked on it and it helped both churches.

L48

Member of Diocese. Anti racism team — trainer — base on baptismal covenant, opportunity to report to Diocese., enthusiasm to continue imitative in church, go into daily life — open mind, evilness seen — not only thing, change your mind.

L49

Feels called to be a warden — make the church an everyday part of life

L50

Bible study course started evening bible study started with 2 card tables now 4. helped immensely to understand what I believe

L51

Through conversation with co—worker, inspired her to take an interest in coming back to church because my life was so fulfilled b the church community

L52

New job — traveled with her new boss he would discussion and decided to cure the world people should go to church.

L53

giving back to less fortunate. Working in community services and helping and giving back to others.

L54

. . . .

L55

Rite 13 ceremony before confirmation

L56

Support of congregation when husband was dying of cancer — they helped her get through it

L57

When grandson born with illness — asked church , congregation to pray. Power of prayer helped infant

L58

By being encouraged by the vestry and vicar to participate as a vestry member. It gave me the opportunity to listen in a much different way to a spiritual avenue that I would not have ever come across. I am now a much more effective listener and councilor.

L59

I do not live out my Christian identity as I should. I do not wish to be pushy with strangers. I am comfortable with my church family and what we have to offer. I like to lead by example

L60

He experienced the support of his church and fellow church members on an on going basis. Impossible to pick one time

L61

I was requested to run for vestry. By the grace of God I was elected. My contributions at the vestry meetings made a lot of impact.

L62

Being asked to serve in various positions as seen as becoming a member of the church, doing things you would not normally do but for being members of the church

L63

I lived my Christian identity while at a crop walk. Conversations with others revealed common causes and interests

L64

When received into church — learning about Christian life, works in church pre-school

L65

in joining a bible study group and having y anti—church husband join me.

L66

My family — growing up as Christian daily — church is a part of me. Been to many churches and has always seen accepted — this is my identity

L67

The way I feel in the presence of people who exude Jesus' love

L68

Member of youth group in Lutheran church — studied other protestant denominations and other not-quite-Christian denominations. More intellectual approach.

L69

Working at ground zero, the pit of hell, and then up to St. Paul's chapel to be cared for at the ragged edge of civilization then to be treated at an oasis. Sharing in the devastation of the work.

L70

During my time in school for deacons, I has a support group at my parish and they took their responsibilities very seriously. They met me regularly and took care of me. Especially in my grieving time . I did not expect them to be as involved as they were. They were so interested in me and what I was doing in that time.

L71

When I was young girl did not have any money to go to school. Missionaries came from USA and provided education. A very similar thing happened to allow me to attend graduate school. I met a lady who gave me information that led to a scholarship which paid for graduate school.

L72

Early in life — rector decided that he should be confirmed so he could receive communion. Full of anticipation for the reception of seven gifts of Holy Spirit. Could feel the Holy Spirit come into him

L73

It is a continuing situation. I am a co—mentor for the Education for Ministry Program at my church — enables me to live out my faith — now in m

L74

There have been a couple of times that the sermon seemed to be speaking directly to me because of some personal tribulation.

L75

Having been brought up in a Christian home, church was a part of my life — therefore there was never a separated identity

L76

Try to pray on a daily basis in the morning in my car — also listen to spiritual music

L77

For me it was the passing of my husband and the circumstances surrounding it. My church and clergy were very supportive and there for me. And they still are in a way most gratifying to me I am trying to live my life and make a new life. But I find it is difficult. My church always gives me support in word and deed.

L78

Years ago when we had a march in town to support blacks living there. Those that were in agreement banded together and marched.

L79

An Episcopalian. All by the life instilled by her parents — will pass this to her son; always supported the church and hope to do so with her family

L80

Became Episcopalian In High School — participated as altar boy, came into his life and activities. Became blue print for his daily life.

L81

appointed to the committee of the 300th anniversary celebrations, I felt it was a very important moment in the churches history. I worked to get sponsorships in a year long planning of the festivities and it was very rewarding in the end.

day confined into Christian faith — confirmed in Cathedral in Trenton — money congregants came to witness.

L82

Day confirmed into Christian faith — confirmed in aathedral in Trenton — many congregants came to witness.

L83

In business life gives that … people is often overcome by Christian values that promote giving people another chance. Not my nature to be severe or critical.

L84

In my 30's I was elected Senior Warden and took our from someone who was much older. I was very in experienced but the rector encouraged me to take charge and trusted me. Being a lay reader forced me to focus on and understand the Bible readings. At my job, many people totally trusted me and would just tell my job, many people totally trusted me and would just tell me their problems.

L85

. . . .

L86

The small group experience made the priest feel welcome. The sense of openness and trust toughed her as the priest and first woman priest of its congregation.

L87

Working with youth on drugs, helping them to continue recovery. This activity is a source of continued reinforcement of faith.

L88

Period of time spiraling down in his life due to homosexuality and being brought up in a Roman Catholic church. Moving to NJ made it extremely difficult dealing with his sexual orientation. St. Johns welcomed and brought his spirits up, and were extremely positive.

L89

In early 80's, got divorced, lost children and was devastated. Could get custody in 2000. Did not have the money to do that. Member of parish offered to co-sign loan. Could not see a way to pay loan. But parishioner said — the Lord will find a way. Loan was repaid and kept children.

L90

Over summer participated in Miss Black NJ — church was so supportive: I realized always there for you.

L91

prayer support when unemployed

L92

Prayer support of congregation in cancer surgery experience

L93

After my brother's death when everyone in community pitched in and did what had to be done.

L94

After the experience listed in #1, a bible study group in church showed amazing growth and presence of Holy Spirit.

L95

An excellent class that I was a part of 20 years ago that was very concerned about prayer, outreach, gave me a lot of things that I could teach, and sustain the presence of God.

L96

Current church activities — attended Wed. healing services when husband became ill. Feel a special bond with people not previously known. A lot of giving, sharing, caring. Having the weekly avenue of personal expression.

L97

While in college — money was limited — he worked — one year worked had money for tuition and not books and his rector found out and went into dis. — funds and paid for his books so he was able to continue in college — church was always encouraging.

L98

When her eldest daughter was christened, she felt supported in forming her identity and deciding to remain in the Episcopal Church and community

L99

When attended adult class at the church and sermon on Sunday; connection between scripture and daily life.

L100

Being able to be married in Episcopal church after going through divorce. Acceptance of church and by church family

L101

When father-in-law became ill (Roman Catholic), the support that was provided by all the members of the Episcopal Church.

L102

At present, coming back to church and being involved in a loving community and a Bible study group

L103

Raised Roman Catholic; after divorce coming to church. Being invited to fellowship — pulled in slowly — invited to be on vestry. Felt tested. Learned from people around. See myself as someone different. People at work know he's Christian. Read bible — people seek her advice. Not afraid to tell people she is Christian.

L104

Community bible study with fellowship with teaching, guidance — found herself touched by love of Jesus through the hands of women there

L105

Confirmation at 31, a Protestant who knew nothing about Episcopal Church and what Trinity meant. Through the classes got connection to gifts of all new vocabulary.

L106

When I was received in the Episcopal church. Mentoring youth in confirmation process — getting more out of it as an adult mentor. Always feel supported by my parish — that's why involved.

L107

Always feel supported by bible study/debate group; helps me through it the whole week. The people I do not see eye to eye with help me see the need for them.

L108

Men's guild group — one of the younger people. Not a range between 20 to 40 — good experience. Bond through the experience. Two outings a year. Created a Christian support group.

L109

Episcopal Church opened arms, accepted family and grandchildren. Enabled to be closer to church and God.

L110

When she became a youth leader. Church supported her.

L111

Grandfather passed two years ago. Mom told me about he's in heaven and God is always with us. Started praying for him — never done that. Friend's cousin passed — we had mutual tragedies. We helped each other pray through the tragedies.

L112

Voicing they are Christian …..

L113

Brought up in the church but wife was Roman Catholic — began attending a Roman Catholic church but then due to circumstances with daughter was brought back to the Episcopal Church and is very involved with church.

L114

Asked to do stewardship speech in front of parish would not have done it without feeling faith in his fellow congregants and theirs in him. It has helped him not be afraid to show and let people know he is a Christian and Episcopalian.

L115

It stabilizes me — direction for ethical decisions in my life, right and wrong. My support comes from the community I feel in my church — my family. Being incorporated into the church by serving on the vestry has opened my understanding of the many layers of support and community that come through my church.

L116

When children christened, "We will!" response and support from the congregation — that did it for me. Support of everybody in church plus family and friends.

L117

Re-reading and study of the readings each week help to change the way I relate to others.

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