My Why Statement

My Why Statement
11/2/23
I was originally exposed to the Episcopal Church as a child, growing up in Longmeadow. We then switched to the Congregationalist church in town, where I was later confirmed in High School. Church was a good experience for me, but I must admit I was not particularly engaged, and as I moved on in life and went to college, church was not one of my priorities. Fast forward to 1984, my wild days largely behind me, I am married and have a beautiful daughter. My wife (who was raised Catholic) and I had a common desire to expose our daughter to the benefits of a Christian church (and home!) experience and thought that the Episcopal church would be a good fit. We found St. David’s Church and checked it out. It was Bible-based, welcoming, had a good Sunday School program, it seemed to suit our needs perfectly. But we were primarily there for our daughter, truth be told. We even often took turns taking our daughter to church, to the extent that some folks wondered if were married!

Then a funny thing happened: we both really started to like the services, and we felt the Holy Spirit steadily working on us, and before long we were hooked on St. David’s. Since those early days, much has happened in my life. My 2 children are grown, I am retired, unmarried, and a rock ‘n roll drummer. The one constant in my life has been St. David’s. My faith and spiritual growth have increased steadily through these 40 years of Sunday worship, Bible study, Confirmation, Vestry membership, multiple Ministry involvement, and fabulous Fellowship with my fellow parishioners. Sunday morning church is the hi-lite of my week. I have been incredibly blessed by God for bringing me back into the church, and to St David’s in particular.
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Jim Shields