Reflections from ambassador Larry Beckwith

Firstly, in consolidating knowledge about the campaign, it was another reminder of how deeply I am attached to St. Thomas's and what it means to have a spiritual home. That being said, I have to admit that I've only ever really considered that in terms of my own experience as someone who has relatively little trouble navigating stairs. Back when our children were infants and toddlers, I do remember added stress around lifting strollers but just accepted it as a reality of the place. As a sidesperson, I regularly assisted parishioners with mobility challenges, again simply accepting it with no sense that the situation would ever change.

This expertly led Cornerstone Campaign has helped us all imagine a  St. Thomas's that is fully accessible to everyone, through the encouraging news of fundraising to date and the beautifully rendered images of the finished project. 

In the visits I've been part of so far, I've been struck by the ease with which we can all speak to each other about faith, about Christ working within us, about the holiness that we experience collectively at St. Thomas's. This isn't something I articulate often...I just feel it. I would recommend the experience of being an ambassador. It gives one a sense of giving back to the St. Thomas's community; it gives one a chance to meet and get to know other parishioners, some of whom we've been sitting next to in the pews for many years; and it relieves anxieties that we may have – I know I do – about the future of a place we love so much. The biggest surprise I've had about the conversations is how little they have had to do with money. Many of us have long associations with this unique and special place; many of us are new to it. It's good to talk about its value, its meaning and its importance. And it's good to know that, with God's help, our heritage is our future.

— Larry Beckwith