Friendship
This past Thursday I took a day trip to Allentown, PA to visit a longtime mentor of mine, Bill Lewellis. Some of you may recognize him as my co-author of Your Faith, Your Life. Others may have met his brother-in-law Joe, who visited St. Peter’s a few Sundays ago. Joe will give Bill’s eulogy and so Joe is gathering stories about Bill. He wanted to hear mine.
I wouldn’t be who or where I am if it weren’t for Bill. Bill invited me into more ministry. Heard and affirmed my call to ordained ministry. Believed in me when I found it hard to do so. And, when necessary, called me to account. Bill is my friend and mentor.
I suspect each of us has people like that – a mentor, friend, or confidante – someone who pulls you up when you are down, shares essential insights about life and faith, wonders with you about possibilities, and calls you to your better self.
St. Peter’s has a long history of such relationships, often across generations, as is true for Bill and I. I have heard stories of care, concern, and mentoring from one generation to another at St. Peter’s. These relationships are a treasure. They carry us. Last Sunday evening young and old gathered gathered to celebrate our seniors. Last evening more gathered to celebrate musical talent with a St. Peter’s Showcase, featuring songs from past musicals. These are just two examples. This fall we will be launching intergenerational prayer partners. St. Peter’s is an intentional intergenerational community of care.
Jesus, Lord and Savior of all, was the Apostle Peter’s mentor too. In our gospel reading tomorrow (John 21:15-19) we will hear Jesus mentor Peter – calling Peter to his better self. Jesus believed in Peter, called Peter to his better self, and commissioned Peter for his ministry. No wonder we are so strong in such relationships! It is in our DNA.
Tomorrow, we will celebrate the Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul with worship and our annual Parish Picnic. We will share a meal, tell stories, sing, and laugh together, as we are apt to do. These are times when friendships are deepened and new friendships forged across generations.
Come to praise God for our common life. Come to deepen friendships. Come to give thanks for the community that is St. Peter’s!
The Rev. Jenifer Gamber, Rector
St. Peter's Episcopal Church
