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The Church of the Redeemer

October 15, 2006

Dick Tucker

Good morning. It’s pretty nice up here. It’s my first time. Some of you must be thinking “What’s he doing up there?” They say that Life is a journey, and I want to share some thoughts about my Journey at the Redeemer. My old friend Lloyd Dahmen has been my guide and mentor here, and another title for my talk this morning could be “The Lloyd is my shepherd.”

My journey here began almost 20 years ago when Lisa and I moved into this neighborhood and became occasional visitors to the Church. Both our younger sons were baptized here, 17 and 15 years ago, but we were irregular and casual in our attendance, mainly for services at Christmas or Easter.

A few years ago, I was reminded of my own poor attendance record when Dick Downes stood up here at a crowded Christmas Eve service and said, “You know, we also do this on every Sunday during the year.”

With Lloyd’s and Lisa’s encouragement, I decided to start showing up more regularly. My religious education is very incomplete, and I have even picked up my bible to find out more about the many stories I started hearing on Sundays. I haven’t made it to the bible study group yet, but who knows? Maybe someday.

 I found that, contrary to my earlier fears, I wasn’t much different from many of you regulars who are veterans of this parish. I’ve become more relaxed and made many new friends. I also I found that there is a continual need for volunteers. So I started to help out where I could….

·        Selling Christmas trees with Hooker Talcott and Russ Pyle,  

·        “Manning” the Christmas Market Bake Sale table for Debbie Mills and Pam Awtry last winter.

·        I also got involved with Stewardship a couple of years ago and found that passing along the pledge cards and the tote bag isn’t such a chore. We’d welcome any neighbors who’d like to help us do the same.  

·        Then Charlie Kline asked me to join the Finance Policy Committee, where I try to understand and analyze the many aspects of the Church’s budget. What might be torture for you is actually fun for me

·        Most recently, I became the only male member of the Church School Committee with Judy and Sarah. I arrived for my first meeting in September to find a wonderful group of women looking at me curiously.  I said “I’m here to represent all those disruptive little boys.” We’re so lucky that those little boys and girls have a great Sunday School. It’s one of our greatest programs and resources.

These activities are fun for me, and my dear wife Lisa approves because it gets me out of the house. I get back much more than I give, and whatever I do here is rewarding. That feeling of being useful in such a cause makes it all worthwhile. What we have is a terrific team of volunteers at the Church, and what I do pales in comparison to others. For example, just think of Suzy Westcott. These various activities also point out very clearly that the Redeemer is much more than just Sunday services.

On the spiritual side, I imagine that each person here has what I’d call a “Spirit Fuel Gauge,” even though nobody sees where that needle is each week. While some of you may have a “full tank” of Spirit, others may be close to running on “Empty.” I suspect, however, that no matter how you feel coming into the service, you probably feel better as you leave. This Spiritual Service Station is open on Sundays and other days too.

When I stand out front as a Greeter, I love to see your faces and kids coming in from the noise and hectic activity out there to be here in a quiet place that truly is a Sanctuary. If we took everyone’s blood pressure at the front door and again at the end of the service, I’ll bet everyone would drop at least ten points. Church can be good for your heart, not just your soul.

What I like most about the Redeemer is what many of you also like…the music and the choir with the Shay family singers, the fellowship, the readings and lessons, and, of course, Dorsey himself. In each of his sermons I usually hear something that brings tears to my eyes, even if I’m not sure why. And given the cost of movie tickets these days, that’s a bargain…and the coffee and cookies are free.

One great thing that Dorsey has done is show us his own personal vulnerability, and in so doing, he gives me the confidence to admit that I also am imperfect. We could take a page out of the AA program and say, “Hello, my name is Dick, and I’m a sinner.” That, to me, is a step toward becoming a better person, and for me, that’s a big part of why I’m here. You’ve probably seen the signs on the roadside that say “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You.” The Church of the Redeemer has warmly welcomed me, and for that I’m forever grateful. My journey is not over, but it’s a work in progress that I share with all of you.