May 17, 2026
The tiny white hat at far right of the photo is our bishop about to welcome a huge crowd of 60 new Episcopalians at the cathedral in Phoenix. I noted that there were few gray-haired folks amid the new members. That is wonderful, a reassuring sign of interest in our denomination among new generations. The crowd of newcomers was so great that their reserved seating was woefully insufficient, and rows of us onlookers had to shift seating. Yea, Jesus!
I told the bishop that 15% of our local church attended to honor our one recipient, though not our rather small membership. She was delighted (probably already knowing our size). I have learned that many of Payson’s “mainline” denominations are similarly small. That has vexed me, wondering how we can improve our numbers, but seeing today’s St. Paul’s Sunday service, I realized how. By loving others. Newcomers are joining us, attracted not only by our wonderful priest but by us. Our welcoming nature, our engaging with them, and the energy of our interactions with others show acceptance and genuine love. That attracts!
The many Hispanics in the cathedral crowd, a black Army sergeant in his resplendent uniform, the disabled person in a life-support wheelchair, and the dual English/Spanish service liturgy are all evidence of the accepting aspect of our modern church. All are equally loved by Jesus, whatever differences may exist among nine billion humans. How are we to deny the value of any of God’s children? Those who discount others, whether individuals or organizations, reveal their own limitations. Sadly, they seem to discount or ignore Jesus’ teachings just as did authorities in Jesus’ day. But thankfully not us.
