[Magdalen] How about this?

[Ginga Wilder]

Good Shepherd is trying to raise funds for the interior upfit of our new
worship space.  The space is going to be a really nice worship space.  We
are fortunate to have an interior architect and also a construction
engineer among our parishioners.  They are a father-in-law and son-in-law
team.  The space they have drawn and overseen is stunning in its simple
beauty.  Even with all the saws and boards and saw horses and boxes of
plumbing supplies still filling the space, when one pauses and draws a deep
breath, there is palpable evidence of the presence of God in that space.  I
cannot wait to worship there, which will happen on July 19th.

The upfit is expensive.  We have funds set aside but we have not called
very loudly for parishioners to contribute.  And, as one might expect, out
giving has had low energy.  With our PiC on family leave, we have not had a
leader's voice to call us to more generous giving.

Today, our Treasurer, with great tears, announced to those gathered to
worship that a couple has made a several thousand dollar contribution to
purchase all of the chairs we have ordered for the nave.  They read our
email newsletter this week and sensed a strong call to make this gift.
They have allowed their names to be told to our congregation -- for many
reasons, I believe.  This couple are members of St. Paul's, Summerville,
the Lawrence church where many at Good Shepherd were members for years and
generations before the schism.

Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Charles vonRosenberg's prayer is that this schism
in SC will be healed, that in several generations, reconciliation will
happen.  I believe the gift given this week is evidence that some on the
other shore hope and pray for reconciliation, also.

Amazing grace.
Ginga