As I look around St. Johns today, much has changed since I was baptized here in 1957. Throughout my childhood and young adult life, I took for granted what St. Johns provided for me, my family, our church family, and our community. As I aged ( I prefer “seasoned”), I gained a deeper understanding of the true security our faith could provide. Through our litany, clergy, and through all of you, I started to understand that St. Johns provided me a sense of security. Even in the darkest times, I have a home and I will be safe.

I started by mentioning my baptism “several” decades ago. With the exception of Holy Orders, I have experienced all the other sacraments. Two that are not as common are Reconciliation (or Confession) and the Anointing of the Sick (or Holy Unction). Starting with my first rector, Charlie Douglass, and continuing to today with Duncan, I have always been encouraged to have open and, when necessary, tough conversations. While not exactly a scene from “The Godfather”–a dark confessional booth in a Catholic church in Brooklyn–the conversations have been challenging at times but always a real comfort.

Every Thursday at 12:05, we have a healing service in the Chapel. It is a beautiful thirty-minute service and a source of comfort and security.

My entire career has been in the insurance and risk management business – working with businesses and individuals to mitigate risk, to prevent loss and, when something happens, to provide financial stability and security.

Much has changed at St. Johns since 1957 but so much more will never change. I am blessed and grateful I have a home that will provide the only real security I will ever need.

Peace, Charlie Harris