Q: As a parent, how do you see the church best serving youth? A: I think that the church serves youth best when it first listens to young people and includes them in the entire life of the church. Most Episcopal churches are smaller now than when I was young and are not able to be everything to everyone. A youth group may not be an option for a church. As we welcome young people, the needs of families are important to consider. I am in awe at the adaptability of families during the pandemic, but I also realize that many families are struggling to do the things they once did. Supporting those families in ways that are practical and enrich the presence of God in their daily lives is so important. Q: How is it being relatively new at a church during the pandemic? A: Being new to a church during the pandemic is of course challenging. Since I was not here at Trinity-by-theCove prior to the pandemic, I do not have a full sense of what worship was like nor do I understand completely the losses the parish has experienced. I know that many traditional community events and celebrations are greatly changed or canceled, and that has had a negative impact. But God does not leave us without hope and encouragement. I have seen members of the congregation love each other during this
uneasy time by being sensitive to the concerns people have about the risks we share when we gather. I have also witnessed the acceptance that things are different and that creativity is required to see the church differently. Like all clergy, the pandemic has been a catalyst to see beyond the walls of our buildings and envision new ways of being the church. Q: What is your favorite part of your ministry? A: I have two favorite parts of my ministry, and both are of equal importance to me. The first is spending time with people - listening to their stories, getting to know them better, learning about their gifts and their talents, and thinking about how those might be offered in service to God. I have had wonderful opportunities to get to know the people at Trinity and others associated with the church while exploring scripture and sharing in the richness of The Episcopal Church traditions as they pertain to their journey in Christ. My other favorite part is celebrating the Holy Eucharist with the people of God, which is as it should be. We are a sacramental people and to live as the body of Christ, the Holy Eucharist is our corporate connection with the Creator of life and love. Each time we gather for the Holy Communion we celebrate the gift of Jesus, honoring his sacrifice for us, and rejoicing in his resurrection. This offer of redemption and everlasting life is for all people. It is the greatest gift ever given to the world and I am humbled that God chose me for this work.
Around the Diocese Read about what's happening around the diocese this spring.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Marco Island celebrates ‘Blue Zone’ designation Striving for a longer life through mind, body, and spirit, St. Mark’s, Marco Island is celebrating its new recognition as a “Blue Zone," a place that promotes well-being and healthy lifestyle choices. The church earned its certification
by complying with the nine tenants of a Blue Zone. The Rev. Kathy Schillreff said it wasn’t that hard because committing to God and committing to yourself go hand in hand. “Jesus fed people, Jesus healed people, all of those things.” Blue Zones focus on feeding, healing, and much more. The movement mimics the practices of people worldwide who live the longest, healthiest lives. St. Mark’s is the first Blue Zone church on Marco Island. “For some people eating better does bring them closer to God. You know what I mean? Or going for a walk on Marco Island on a beautiful day does bring them closer to God,” said the Rev. Kathy Schillreff.
Blue Zones are about much more than eating and exercising. The group’s team of researchers identified seven other practices for a long and healthy life. One is “Purpose.” St. Mark’s purpose is to raise money to do laundry for people who can’t afford it. Cathy Weis runs Laundry Love for the church. She said, “I believe we find God, we find Jesus in those acts of kindness that are given toward others as well as acts of kindness that are given to us.” Katie Gotzman said, “God created everything, and we’re lucky enough to be part of that creation.” Gotzman helps tend the church garden. The garden helps the church keep up with the Blue Zone’s continued on pg. 15
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