On the eve of my birthday, I won’t deny that it’s been a rough year, but I have a lot to be thankful for. I’m am grateful to have a steady job, to have plenty of food (and thanks for misfit markets, an abundance of produce), to have a partner who hasn’t gotten tired of me yet and still loves playing boardgames, and to have a faith community that keeps me connected to people and to God.

It’s been a little different since last March. I’ll be the first to admit that meeting together on zoom is not the same as meeting in person. I miss cooking yummy food, sharing warm loaves of ciabatta bread, and sitting around tables bathed in candlelight, chatting and praying together. But we have kept services going online, kept sharing stories, and I’m delighted to see new members from near and far attend services. St Lydia’s continues to feed people, both physically and spiritually, especially those for whom traditional mainline Christianity isn’t a good fit.

It’s also true that we’re a small church, and we depend on donations from outside of our congregation. So in honor of my 40th birthday, I would ask you to help me support St. Lydia’s and its mission, so we can continue to be grow and thrive and care for people, both in New York City and beyond. Because if I’ve learned anything in the last year, it’s that I am a very small person in a big world. Thank you.

P.S. I'm including a photo from easter service, many years ago. Because I look forward to the day when we can pack this small church with people, and love, and laughter.