Tribute to St. Mark's/St. John's Jim Thorpe and Father John Wagner from a Jewish visitor

December 31, 2008

The Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John
ATTN: The Reverend John Wagner, Priest-in-Charge
21 Race Street
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

Dear Reverend Wagner:

Let me first wish you a very Happy New Year. You do not know me, but I met you Christmas Eve at your beautiful church in Jim Thorpe. I was visiting my girlfriend’s grandmother and attended worship service with her family in the evening; a unique feat for me. I am not Episcopal; I am not Roman Catholic; I am not Catholic; I am not even a Christian. I am Jewish. This was the first Episcopal worship I had ever attended with my Roman Catholic girlfriend (whose mother is Episcopal) – and I have never felt neither more welcomed nor more comfortable in a religious service.

The congregation was truly lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with many parishioners in the pews before and after the service. The family in front of us told us how their parents’ were children in the church while Asa and Harry Packer were alive and parishioners. The close knit community spirit and genuine love in the room between people could be seen by an outsider like me. The part of worship where we wished Peace to each other was amazing; I have seen in other churches people turn to one another, but here at St. Mark’s and St. John’s, parishioners were crossing across the church in order to give their good wishes to everyone present. It was an amazing sight! You should be complemented for overseeing and fostering such a spirit of unity.

Most memorable to me was the way you presided over the service – in a fully understandable way, taking time to explain many things that might have been unfamiliar to a non-Episcopalian like me. Your homily had a remarkable message, was expertly delivered, and had the congregation paying full attention. You, sir, are a remarkable speaker – a goal not yet reached by many members of the clergy of different religions that I have seen across the country. Your oratory was not only well-delivered, but is one of the reasons I look forward to returning to St. Mark’s and St. John’s during our next visit to Jim Thorpe, most likely in the early Spring.

But most importantly, I fully appreciated the message you gave before giving the Holy Eucharist. It further set a tone of tolerance and acceptance by not only your parish, but the entire Episcopal Church. To a Jewish New Yorker like me, that makes all the difference and sets you apart from so many others.

I look forward to greeting you again next time we come to Jim Thorpe and attending service.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Matthew R. C……