Janet’s comments:

I just wanted to comment on how much the Holy Spirit small groups has meant to me. I can really feel the spirit in the groups and can see the Holy Spirit moving within the groups. It seems as if the people who have attended have been touched by the Holy Spirit and I can only imagine the things we can accomplish in God’s name with so much thought and prayer in one group. It seems as if each group that shares has been moved in a different way. This is so exciting to me.

Today, the sanctuary seems like a place where I can be closer to God. The Sunday-school room is a place where I learn more interesting things than any of my other history classes at school. And even though I no longer get stranded here without a ride, the church still feels like a second home to me.

There have also been a few people at this church who have had an influence on my life that I would like to thank. I think I’ll start with my first and only confirmation sponsor Mr. Crouse. I remember one time when he took me to get ice cream while we talked about…um… well I’m not exactly sure what we talked about but I do remember the ice cream.

And another time we went fishing in Sarasota bay for at least two hours and all I caught was a nasty sunburn. That was fun.

I would also like to thank Mr. Hartenstine. I’ve never met anyone who was more interested and actively involved in teaching things that at first might seem kind of boring and making them incredibly interesting. More important than teaching cool stuff in Sunday school I would like to thank Mr. Hartenstine for never teaching us what to think but teaching us how to think. I hope that I carry that with me where ever I go.

I want to thank all of the five youth ministers that I lived through during my 18 years here, if I tried to reminisce of experiences with each of them we would be here far too long, but I would like to wish Chris Wood good luck in setting a Redeemer record for “longevity of a youth minister,” I know you can do it.

Now, I know I can’t speak for anyone else but I don’t where I would be, if not for the Civil War sermons of Father Marsden. Not only for their educational value, but for the impressive and creative way in which they are delivered. I don’t know about you but I would have an easier time juggling chainsaws than spreading the word of God using metaphors from the most devastating war in American history.

Of course, last but not least, a Redeemerite that I would to thank for being such a positive influence on me is Fr. Robinson. I have met few men who are as honest and sincere and have such a passion for jam-packing the holy days with a much music as is possible (mom, don’t take it personally). I remember when I was quite a bit younger when I would go into Fr. Robinson’s office with my mom whenever they had something to discuss. I don’t know if any of you have seen the inside of this office but if you have you know it reflects the kind of office you would expect for the chief, the big cheese, the head honcho.

This office is adorned with tasteful artwork, comfortable couches and chairs, and from a seven-year-old’s point of view a very large desk. Despite these impressive features, the thing I remember the most was a short glass table on the side of the room near the couches. On the table there were magazines and art books and right in the center there was a porcelain dish, and in this porcelain dish at all times there were no fewer than 8 million M&Ms. And from the time I was seven until about ten whenever I was in his office I would eat all of his M&Ms. I wonder if there was a four year period in Fr. Robinson’s life were he just didn’t get to eat any M&Ms.

The thing is that this church is more to me than just a summation of events. It’s the feelings I had when I first got to be Thurifer, how I felt when we would finally finish a musical, and how I feel when I think about all the people who helped me and cared about me and loved me while I was here and will do so long after I’m gone. That’s what this church, and the people of this church mean to me.

Have you ever watched a master carpenter work? Taking rough wood, the Master Carpenter uses his hands to make thousands of fine adjustments until he gets the wood to take exactly the shape he wants — the shape he imagined in his mind even before he began. The end product is an extraordinarily formed piece – beautiful and useful - that brings joy to its Crafter and to others.

Let us pray:

“Jesus, Master Carpenter of Nazareth, who through wood and nails has
wrought our full salvation:
Wield well thy tools in this thy servant –

That we who come to thee rough-hewn may be fashioned to a truer beauty
and usefulness.” Amen.

In this prayer by former Arch of Canterbury George Carey, Jesus of course is the Master Carpenter. Each of us starts as a splintered, unfinished piece of wood. God’s hands seek to form us to become channels of His Grace and Light for the world – forming us into the people God created us to be. God forms each of us through relationships in which we share His love with each other.

God provides many formation experiences – the first of which is your family. My family – its values, traditions, rituals – it’s story - helped formed me. Yours helped formed you.

Just like the families that brought us into the world and helped form our identities, personalities and attitudes, the church — as a family of God — has the mission of helping to form Christians - as Children of God. He calls us to more than teaching adults, youth and children to read OF God in church school classes on a Sunday morning. He wants us to find ways to ENCOUNTER God - through prayer, worship, the sacraments, scripture, serving others, caring for one another, confession and absolution, fasting and abstinence. Here we experience the grace of God’s unconditional love, and it is through this grace - given and received - God is able to form us into the people He created us to be.

Sometimes, we are being formed as Christians – and sometimes we are called to form others – sometimes without knowing we are doing so -

There is a story written by Annie Sullivan after she had accomplished her incredible breakthrough with Helen Keller. After teaching Helen how to communicate, it was imperative to Annie to convey the concept of our loving Father. As she tried time after time communicate the image of God, Annie became incredibly frustrated. Helen, finally able to comprehend what Annie was trying to do signed back to her: “Oh don’t worry about telling me about Jesus. I already know Him!” A Formation experience of the risen Christ to be sure.

Right here at Redeemer after the devistation of Hurricane Katrina, out church school teachers and students wanted to reach out to our sister parish in Biloxi, The Church of the Redeemer. All the children knew the picture which is now etched in out mind’s eye – The rector conducting the Eucharist the morning after the storm in the area that once was the nave of the church, all that was remaining were the two huge iron beams which once held the roof. Our children decided to re-stock the church school supply cabinet – with everything from paper, markers and crayons to new Christmas pageant costumes. And along with the goods, handwritten notes went from our children to theirs. One Redeemer 3nd grader’s hand wrote a note to the children of Church of the Redeemer, Biloxi, which had been devistated: “I know you are sad that your church is gone. But remember - you can still have a church without a building, because God’s church is made up not of wood and nails and bricks – God’s church is made up of His people.” No scripture or verse quoted here, but the essence of God’s grace in the this little one’s note shows us that Christian Formation takes place in God’s Children of all of ages when we least expect it.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. When you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you truly seek me. I will be found by you.”

For each one of us “rough hewn pieces of wood,” God has a unique plan. And I’d say we are all a “work in progress.” But I take heart in the words of Oswald Chambers:

“Faith never knows where it is being led. But it always knows and loves the One who is leading.”

Our task is to yield to His touch and allow him – through classes, small groups, service to others, pastoral care, evangelism, sharing Christ - to shape us into the people he intends us to be. Like a master carpenter, may we welcome Christ as He forms us into his image, yielding to his gentle and powerful touch.

Let us pray:

“Jesus, Master Carpenter of Nazareth, who through wood and nails has
wrought our full salvation:
Wield well thy tools in this thy servant –

That we who come to thee rough-hewn may be fashioned to a truer beauty
and usefulness.” Amen.

Helping others is what I had learned to do in Sunday School as a young child. My parents reinforced that concept by their example. Since my early teens, I have had a need to help others. I can remember when a severe hurricane hit Connecticut in 1955, causing flooding in many parts of the state. Just a few blocks from our house the Park River overflowed its banks, flooding many houses. The water rose during the night, and people woke up to find the first floors and basements of their homes filled with water. My teenage buddies and I volunteered to help people get out of their homes and onto higher ground. But let me jump ahead.

In the early 90’s I had had resurgence in my career at Merck & Co. I had been promoted to the position of Director of Management and Sales Development. It was the perfect job for me. Building on my experience in sales management, in hiring and training new sales associates and their managers. My realization that I should be doing more for others came during a a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia to attend a divisional budget meeting.

It was about 11:00 pm when the United 757 took off from LAX. I had upgraded my seat to first class in hopes of getting a few hours of sleep before the 6:00 am arrival in Philadelphia. We were in the steep climb of the initial take-off when there was a very loud “boom”. Suddenly the cabin was bright from the flames from the port engine and on the wing. The engine had malfunctioned, and jet fuel had been ignited. Although it seemed like several minutes, in just a few seconds the emergency fire suppression system put out the fire. With the engine no longer functioning, the rate of climb flattened out immediately. It was a scary few seconds, and I said several prayers. The screams and shouts calmed down. About a minute later, there was another loud boom, and the engine and wing were again on fire. It seemed to take longer for the fire suppression system to control the fire the second time, and we seemed to be loosing altitude rapidly. At the same time the roar of the starboard engine was almost deafening as the pilot pushed to full power to regain control of the aircraft. While all this was happening, I was busy too – praying like “there was no tomorrow”! It is amazing in just those few seconds your whole life flashes in front of you. You think of not seeing your wife and children again. But then I was in a serene calm. God was there! Everything would be all right!

The crew regained control and the plain leveled out over the Pacific Ocean. The plane turned to the south and we could see the whole Los Angeles basin, the whole metropolitan area lit by the many streetlights and other building illumination. It was a spectacular. My talk with God continued as we made a big circle in preparation for returning to LAX. I was a very appreciative fellow at that point. Twenty-five minutes later we landed at LAX. Back on firm ground! I would not be at that morning’s budget meeting!

After that night I reflected that I needed to do more for other people, as so much had been given to me. I was happily married to a beautiful wife, and had three children well on their way to establishing successful careers. I was set; it was time to refocus myself. And the Lord did just that!

Shortly afterward, our parish in Chestnut Hill, PA, St. Paul’s, started a Habitat affiliate in the Germantown section of the Philadelphia. We participated every other Saturday clearing trash and other debris from future home sights. Shortly afterward I was “retired” from my position at Merck, and became a “consultant”. We lived in the Philadelphia are for about a year, before relocating to Sarasota and Church of the Redeemer.

On our first or second Sunday here, Doris Schweppe, the then President of the local Habitat affiliate, announced that they were having a building blitz the next weekend and needed volunteers. Flo and I worked that Friday and Saturday on the “Redeemer House”. It was a blessing for us because we met many parishioners in the informal work environment. I went on to chair the construction committee, join the Habitat board and become the president of the affiliate. You have to go to a Habitat house dedication; to see the happy, tear streaked faces of family members to get your reward for the volunteer labor and talent you have contributed.

Doris was doing God’s work again when she and Bob Stevens of the Dominican Development Group told the parish at a coffee hour presentation about opportunities to work on new churches and schools for the Dominican Episcopal Church. After the presentation was over we all went to lunch, and the first Redeemer Construction Mission to the Dominican Republic was scoped out on the back of a Sunday bulletin. There have been many mission trips since. Many of you have gone on these trips.

The trips have offered many great rewards and memories to the missioners. Staying at the Hotel Americano with Lazarro, Martha, and Mary. Chris Lindsay working with students at a church elementary school in Santiago during breaks from our construction activities in the church building. The kids’ faces tell the story of why Chris was so involved with them. In fact, a DR Construction Team leaves on Feb. 17th. Come join us. We are pew building specialists!

You don’t need to travel to the Dominican Republic to help others. There are lots of opportunities her at the church and right outside our doors. You can help homeless individuals and families by volunteering at Resurrection House. You can volunteer at the Caritas Food Pantry. You can volunteers at Habitat in order to help a low-income family purchase a home. You can be a construction volunteer or work on one of the many committees that manage the affiliate and recruit and support potential homeowners.

There are opportunities to use your experiences and knowledge to serve on committees here in the parish. There are opportunities in volunteering at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Get involved. You will get rewards far greater than the effort you put into your task!

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If you would like to contact Chuck Miller directly to discuss your own journey with Christ or ask him questions about his, consult your Parish Directory or contact the Parish Receptionist for assistance.

When Fr. Fred called me concerning the Sharing Jesus program; I volunteered almost immediately. He has a calm and quiet but also compelling tone. He is difficult to resist.

Jesus had that same tone. When He was walking along the shore of the Sea of Gallalie and spotted Simon (who we now know as Saint Peter) and his brother Andrew tending their nets; Jesus approached them and said “Follow me, I will make you fishers of men”. They dropped what they were doing and followed. Now that’s compelling! Jesus is calling us to follow and to tell others.

But, who is Jesus? As Christians, we know he is fully man and also the eternal son of God. We know he existed, not only from the bible; where his birth and death on the cross was prophesied in the Old Testament, and from his words in the New Testament; but also from many references in Roman history texts. However, we need to discover Jesus on a personal level. Jesus is not just a historical figure, He lives today and dwells amongst us now!

How do we discover Jesus on a more personal level? We need to pray for wisdom and understanding; for inspiration from the Holy Spirit and we need to read His words. We need to read scriptures on a regular basis. Participating in bible study classes and taking the ALPHA course, attending Inquirers class (which starts on Feb. 10th) are all important steps to take.

When we discover Jesus on a personal level we can then share our knowledge with others. Like a good friend or a “good relative” who comes to town; we enjoy introducing that person to our friends at church and elsewhere. Well, there is no better friend or relative than Jesus (don’t forget we all are sons and daughters of God). We can tell people what a cool guy Jesus is; that he likes to party with his friends, he enjoys traveling, if you got sick he would heal you right then and there. He would change water into wine! It doesn’t get any better!

Please understand; we do not need to be Biblical scholars. We do need to have faith and confidence. We do not need to stand on street corners yelling out scriptural quotes (that’s obnoxious anyway). We do need to; if the subject comes up; be willing and able to talk about Jesus in a calm, joyous and compassionate manner. At a lunch offer to say grace. Invite a friend or co-worker to church. This is fun but not necessarily easy. God did not intend to make our life easy; He wants us to make our life on Earth meaningful. There are many references in the Bible where we are called to proclaim the Gospel and tell others. Let us all do that!

I have 2 quick stories. In the mid 1930’s a fellow named Albert McMacon was going to a Christian revival meeting with a few friends, but he needed a driver for their bus. He found another acquaintance, Bill, to drive. Albert had to convince Bill to come in and join them and they all ended up going to the meeting. Bill came back the next evening and gave himself to Jesus. Bill then went on to become probably the greatest evangelist of the 20th century. He has preached to millions of people worldwide and been a spiritual advisor to successive presidents since the 1940’s. We all know this man as Billy Graham. We don’t know who Albert McMacon was, but he led Billy Graham to Christ. We are not all going to be a Billy Graham, but we can all be Albert McMacons.

On a more personal note, I was an atheist for about 36 years from 1962 to 1998. During that time I had many people praying for me; Three aunts that were Catholic nuns, my parents and other relatives. They never gave up praying. After moving to Florida with my wife Suzi; she was praying for me as well; I went to Redeemer a couple of times and met Fr. Fred and I noticed a strange sense of peace around here. In August of 1998; I started to come to church (willingly) with Suzi and slowly began to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior again. This was no road to Damascus experience just a slow and ongoing process.

Do not ever think that you cannot make a difference. A person you speak to– a day, a week, maybe a year, maybe 36 years or more later could come to Jesus by virtue of your words and perhaps the words of others. Share your love and knowledge of Jesus. You do the love and compassion, God will do the converting.

God Bless you all!
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If you would like to speak with Charlie about your journey with Christ or learn more about how to Take Your Place at Redeemer and in your life with Christ, please consult your Parish Directory for information on how to reach Charlie and/or contact the Parish Receptionist.