Lay: Reflect on a time you were involved in a church activity with someone different than you.

L1

We had a dinner that I was asked to participate in preparing. Meeting other members of congregation and working together in preparation of the meal — shared experiences and creating was very rewarding.

L2

Participated in ecumenical thanksgiving service. Sharing the different traditions, especially the service faith and Hebrew prayers.

L3

L4

Lot of work in food kitchens and shelters in NYC — grandmother got involved. Through experience we encountered ignored segment of society. Seeing that these people are human, makes me see 'Blessed are the poor' — more compassion — coming from wealthy background, there was culture shock.

L5

L6

During the anti racism meeting held here, where one was exposed to the different views of African Americans.

L7

Involvement in the activities has exposed me to the diversity of members. This has sparked debate. I value the freedom to question and the ability to explore the questions. Our faith and the bible encourage this.

L8

I went in a Retreat (Roman Catholic) two months ago. While there I met this gay who was a former drug addict now exploring Buddhism. I admire his openness to other people's ideas.

L9

Moving to NYC as a young mother with two children. Sense of being fed in a garden or experiencing rainbow of people. No longer homogeneous.

L10

Adding someone else very different to a friendship

L11

At my church we welcomed the people from the Temple down the street and found they had so many values that we have. They looked very different but their values are so similar their connection to God is as valid as mine.

L12

When I went to Costa Rica as part of a diocesan committee. Priest was a black female and gay — a very different cultural background. She challenged me constantly. Make me realize who a real stuffed shirt I am. Thought we have to overcome paradigms.

L13

Bringing kids down from Bethany school — the children participated in the service in incredible ways.

L14

In last years as a Roman Catholic people who were mean to those who differed — felt out of place in his own church — was not sure who was right — told by others that "if you do not accept these doctrines you should be an Episcopalian" — in pew at RC church found a resentment that distracted from worship — as Episcopalian, no longer conflicted.

L15

Learned that we are all broken human beings need of love and healing

L16

Tends toward different people — juvenile offenders, cancer patients, mentally retarded. Mentored someone with mental disability to be on altar guild and learned her value.

L17

Food bank — times teaching J2A class — kids — opens my eyes how they form their faith — opportunity to see grow — mature.

L18

During the anti racism meeting held here where one was exposed to the different views of African Americans

L19

General convention — media coordinator. Secular etc. religion reports. Broad range — bridged gaps — developed trust — Christian community of opposites

L20

Serving at a food pantry. Job is to interview clients. Lived a very sheltered middle class life style. Sitting with people in need put a face to them and their needs. Came away with a deeper sense of oneness with others.

L21

Relationship between St. Mark's and Temple Emmanuel — could set aside differences — powerful meeting —(joint effort to help seniors with minor despairs).

L22

In Alpha class there was a girl with mental/health issues — in normal setting she would be considered disruptive. It made me stop and listen and observe.

L23

Love is what I apply to be sure I handle things in a loving way that would be like God's love. This is how I deal with people different from me.

L24

Involved in Christian formation program for the diocese. Needed to learn to work with one member who is difficult. Learning to know when to pick battles.

L25

On vestry had to work with someone they did not like, but had to find a way to work with them. Learned humility.

L26

About 10 years ago — went to classes within parish — weekly — diverse groups

L27

Assigned to a church in Keansburg — very different church from mine — blessed experience of learning how to be present — listening rather than doing as I had in the past.

L28

Events like this helps to open eyes to other people; normally not focusing or realizing in everyday life

L29

At Happening was introduced to many different social aspects and became more accepting of differences — was able to look past stereotypes

L30

involvement with Christo Rey — different programming — dance — joy filled — spirit filled

L31

Have not been involved with people that are different

L32

St Paul's food basket — helping homeless; appreciated the value more of my own life

L33

Helping single-parent moms in transition. With shelter, food, clothing, etc. How faithful they were able to remain in hard times

L34

Being on vestry — all have different backgrounds. Do not always look at things the same way. Different than me at the church.

L35

On my first meeting with the bishop, he communicated his appreciation and respect for me as a individual work with the Happening teenagers.

L36

Help to know and appreciated of another's experience and gave me sense of confidence with the aspects of the church teachings

L37

People here agree

L38

One person's opinion is so different, but can respect and appreciate her. You do not have to agree with a person but can still care.

L39

Maybe you make a difference; what if we did not have the St. Paul's food bank and dinner?

L40

Working with people of different sexual orientation; leaning to accept everyone

L41

Anniversary of ordination for women in Episcopal Church — made her realize that she could become a priest

L42

Lenten dinners — had Seder dinner with Jewish group — understanding another religion and how Episcopalians Look and accept other faiths and learning differences and valuing inclusion of others

L43

Did a tour of a couple of routines in Latin America, looking at relationship between church and politics. Brought me very close to very poor people and showed me a role for church work that I had not experienced before.

L44

It takes all kinds, acceptance

L45

L46

Went to a service of a Hebrew church and from that was similar in some ways other church. Did find differences by separating by sex in church. But felt content of services was similar.

L47

The other congregation was different in that they were not very active, they left the church up to the vestry/wardens to run. The congregation is now up and running and provide service to the community.

L48

involved an interfaith council — feel togetherness with people on how they pursue their faith — value for me — get together dialogue on commonality — nature of world, diversity is valuable..

L49

Vestry is made up of very different people with different views — focus of church life very different. Find himself adjusting to accommodate the variety of when and input to enable continuance of vestry.

L50

People at church are alike — Deacon School people are very different. Learning a great deal and many perspectives.

L51

During quiet time at a retreat, I experienced people filled with the Holy Spirit. I think He speaks to me in more subtle ways and I was in a mist of the people who were so inspired.

L52

involved with overflow shelter — dealt with homeless. Amazed at how many people there are that do not have anybody. Out of experience I realized I valued my family

L53

Feeding program in church — value the fact that it was not me needing to be there, which reinforced me to be thankful.

L54

L55

League youth group — associated with church. Interfaith hospitality network — people skills

L56

The time a congregation from San Salvador came and they co-mingled the service and it worked splendidly

L57

Being on stewardship committee — visiting people in their homes. Valued the different opinions of the people about what and how much they should give.

L58

Meeting a parishioner who had a mental illness and also made you think twice about involving myself in his world. I choose to make an effort in getting to know him. Unfortunately he was killed.

L59

Very small church — and we deal with each individual for who they are

L60

Enjoyed when his family delivered food baskets — the counties poorest communities. He would bring his young children who then developed friendships with others they normally would not have.

L61

I am the one that is different from the congregation. I value the way I was received without discrimination

L62

Took charge of 2 children in need and helped them in achieving Christian goals

L63

A visiting priest, who spoke with an accent, caused her to listen more intently to the words. It offered a different worship experience.

L64

Bible study that resulted in Jewish husband in converting to Christianity — and in joining the church

L65

Flower arranging for the church with someone who had a life very different than mine, a drop out, and finding that she was a lovely human being.

L66

In a service in Philly. regardless of method of reading the lesson, sermon, I always got the point and I value the fact that while I can see the difference, the messages are universal.

L67

A difference in personalities led me to apologize to a party that I feel, I treated in an unchristian manner. I value that meeting because it made me more Christ like.

L68

Elected to Board of Missions — visited St. Andrews at a Spanish speaking congregation. Very different approach — more spiritual — music more joyous — did not understand the service but felt the spirit.

L69

Assistant pastor of an internet church …. To gay and transsexual people. Strong willed, radical Christian. Made me think about things in society. Contrast my life, so we are living close to the ground.

L70

Thru the interfaith council, we serve the homeless at our parish for one week at a time. I met two women asking for help — later I learned they were addicts outside the interfaith ministry program — I helped one of them get a medication she asked for and noticed she was not pleased when I obtained it. She really wanted money. I learned to trust my instincts.

L71

Going through events of boarding school, college and grad. school when I had little of nothing — with respect to money — made me feel close to Jesus.

L72

Raised as Anglo-Catholic. Experienced a very liberal rector who challenged his thinking. He did not agree with this liberal rector, but appreciated his sincere expression of faith. Still communicates with this rector because both benefit form their very different viewpoints.

L73

At St. Luke's in the Field, Manhattan. Helped to supply dinner to anyone living with AIDS. There were social, economic and racial differences — as contrasted to my growing up in Vermont. Exposed biases against those with AIDS. It gave me a sense of how abundant my life is — God's abundance is a always present. Reflected on this.

L74

I have been involved in many different activities but I really value that no matter how different we appear to be — we all really are just the same.

L75

. . . .

L76

Worked with homeless or displaced people and shared the experience with son so he can recognize the misfortune. Attend Diocesan meetings and see the few representing the African American community

L77

I have never had that kind of experience.

L78

No experience

L79

Working with two older women and a young woman — different in background, attitude and look upon life. But working together developed a Christian bond.

L80

In High School, student from different part of country. As has an interest in other people, formed a bond, as get to know the person see not so different after all.

L81

During the 300th anniversary celebrations I got to work with our janitor whom was very different from me but he was a wonderful person.

L82

No experience

L83

Participated on a parish committee … chairperson was a totally different personality and from a totally different approach learned how to deal with the differences — realize these were other ways to get things done. Realized it was not all about me.

L84

in the alpha program in Bermuda, I learned that Christ is in everyone and I just need to get through the container to get to Christ. I met a young man into really wild hair and thought he was a bit kookoo — I had to partner with him one day and he turned out to be the sweetest guy.

L85

Seminary experience with women. Seeing and valuing differences

L86

The dealing a cradle Episcopalian has to do with people coming from other faith traditions and churches.

L87

Rather tough for me. Parish is very homogenous ethically, racially and economically.

L88

In Chicago we participated in a visioning process, in his visioning group he dealt with who viewed life differently. He realized the community should not be all the same, everyone's opinions are different but they have good intentions.

L89

Working with inner city parish was an awakening. Talking as equals, they listened and wanted guidance.

L90

Summer started with kids music camp. Working with youth taught me so much patience, that kids and me need someone to look up to — realized that you always look up to others and they to you. That you have to have patience to live up to that.

L91

Bahai visited our youth group and our youth showed their true strong faith

L92

Christian dancer at church grace offered a different dimension to the service, not previously experienced.

L93

There is not one specific time. I continually encounter different people.

L94

. . . .

L95

I very much enjoy working with children, especially younger children, since them seem easily faithful and believing. Baptism, a couple of weeks, ago I find it energizing and refreshing.

L96

Community health expo. Most people with different views which were shared. A good learning experience.

L97

Church spans Latino population; that was once a separate service — he tried to get them to merge, but understood they needed to feel more comfortable — not to be forced to conform etc. — music and expression of worship. Getting more of a mix — services are still separate.

L98

When she was on a crafting committee for a church bazaar, she was with women of different ages and backgrounds. They all had gripe sessions and were able to give each other advice and support. She also felt that the interest in each others' lives was valuable to her.

L99

Working at a soup kitchen, people of strange, homeless and various hopeless behavior, was able to connect with and associate the humanity of each individual and being treated with respect.

L100

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L101

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L102

Sharing of different ideas that come out of study groups

L103

Woman from Sarah Network to raise funds for children in Nigeria. She sang — clapped along with her in support. Felt good about that. She did this for her because someone did it for her.

L104

Elderly couple visiting church from African/Caribbean background, helped to welcome them and bringing them into church fold.

L105

Really diverse, Brazilian passed away and prayed with them

L106

Diverse group of people — interact with them every day. Diocesan conventions — when a woman was going to lead mass, many men left, but during the mass, most people stayed and accepted her.

L107

Getting to know new people through the stewardship campaign and teaching Sunday school. Open parish of gay and lesbian couples.

L108

Family into our church. Tired of driving to NY — active quickly — Men's Guild idea from him (75 yrs. old). Hit it off personally. Grandfatherly — mentored toward church life. Value his faith, called Mr. Faith.

L109

EYC leader — very outgoing, opinionated — value the way she took kids and molded them. Inspired to help — became youth leader as well.

L110

60 year old gentlemen brings knowledge and wisdom — gives great advice — does not have anyone in her life like him.

L111

When I made my confirmation we went to a Brazilian church, lots of different instruments, drums, guitars. I valued that because I love experiencing different ways we worship the same God.

L112

Being on the Audit committee. New member of parish. Value the experience and thought of older members of parish and their advice.

L113

Becoming involved in church. Being given the opportunity by the priest of church to get involved with the church and give back has very much enriched his life.

L114

Hispanic service on Saturdays — helps even though cannot speak Spanish. Help created a better understanding of Spanish culture and he hopes he is doing the same to the Hispanic community. A sharing of cultures, a bridge between communities. Learned a lot in this experience.

L115

In my parish I have been invited to use my gifts and I have clearly received recognition and appreciation and that has gone a long way to giving me a greater sense of value. Often encountered new people who I did not know but have come to love.

L116

Different nationalities and alternative lifestyles. Girl on committee of a lady couple, but they were not that different — so much fun. Like we known each other forever.

L117

The church is very diverse and that helps me to learn tolerance and value thru presence of others who are different.

L118

Good experience, we treated each other as equals

L119

I always feel I am in the family

L120

In a flea market, so many different countries customs so different

L121

With people who don't collaborate as we, but we went forward

L122

In spite of it, God is with us

L123

Together we learn different experiences— activating and moving

L124

United we experience the strength and power

L125

An experience with very humble people—motivates me to want to do

L126

More participation and support of them

L127

Teaching computer at church gave my knowledge

L128

Giving to people in need changed me personally

L129

When the Bishop visited for the first time, I realized his ministry

L130

In the service of god and the whole xn community

L131

A conference in Houston, women united in leadership, touched, filled and changed me

L132

Retreat days for couples from different churches

L133

Retreat days for different churches

L134

Been wonderful

L135

Learning to have respect, patience, to include those feel excluded

L136

When we have an activity asking for funds from english speaking churches

L137

Parish—we have a good time