Kathleen Stephenson’s faith story

This is Kathleen’s story in her own words…

Kathleen Stephenson and her husband, Jim Colberg
Kathleen Stephenson and her husband, Jim Colberg

Almost a year ago, in his Sunday sermon, Ledlie told us of a conference he attended where a speaker suggested that each person turn to his or her neighbor and state – “what it means to you that you are Christian.”  Ledlie graciously did not ask us to do the same that Sunday but since then I have found myself pondering:  What would be my answer?  What does being a Christian mean to me?  And, what role does St. Peter’s play in the answer?

The answer to the first question has come to me gradually and it’s not really insightful or astounding.  To me being a Christian – “Christianity” – is expressed by one beautiful statement:  “God is love, and we who abide in love, abide in God and God in us.”

I came to St. Peter’s at a very exciting time in my life.  I was falling in love and it was marvelous!  Loving someone – a partner, all of us here today, God – being in love, is exciting!  its delicious!.  But, being loved is transforming!  Phillip Bennett has written about how important it is that we let ourselves be loved.  That we have faith in the love of God and in the love of each other.  Being loved, abiding in love, is not a solo act.  Being loved is a constant exchange.

When Jim and I were married here at St. Peter’s, we vowed to love and to be loved for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and I, with the voice of six years of marriage, will add agreeing and disagreeing.  We keep those vows and abide in our live through an open heart and faith in each other.

We here at St. Peter’s, in this Christian community, abide in our love in the same manner through an open heart and faith – for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health and agreeing and disagreeing.  And, in doing so, God abides with us.