A Happy Twist of Fate

Life's twists and turns are many, constant and surprising.  Some are happy.  Other not so much.

One recent happy turn of events reunited Susan (for one hour) with the Episcopal rector she knew in Atlanta thirty years ago.  While living in Atlanta in the 1980's, Susan was urged by co-workers to attend a downtown church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Peachtree Street.  Susan was a bit reluctant, partly because she had been raised in the Lutheran tradition.  The church was a vibrant part of the Atlanta community because of its energetic congregation, its exceptional community outreach, and its committed staff led by a charismatic rector, Rev. Dan Matthews.  After visiting the church a few times, Susan felt inspired and decided to join, in large part because of "Father Dan", an inspiring leader and a truly gifted speaker.   

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, Georgia

You might have heard of Rev. Dan Matthews.  Following his time in Atlanta, he served as the rector of the venerable Trinity Episcopal Church located on Broadway at Wall Street in Lower Manhattan.  The location is important.  The church is situated a few blocks from the World Trade Center.  Rev. Matthews was the rector at Trinity on September 11, 2001.  At one of the worst times in New York's and the country's history, "Father Dan" was one of the many New Yorkers who helped others cope and endure. 

Trinity Church, exterior (9/11/2001)

Trinity Church, interior (February 2016)

Fast forward to the present.  Rev. Matthews has since retired.  From time to time, he will travel from his North Carolina home to give a sermon.  Not long ago, he visited our church, St. Bart's in Manhattan.  We made sure to attend.  Rev. Matthews' sermon was moving and memorable.  He spoke about gratitude and generosity and challenged us to think about who packs our parachute.  (For more about that topic, click here.) 

After the service ended, Susan stopped to say hello to Father Dan.  The first photo below is the moment when Susan reintroduced herself and told Father Dan that he is the reason why she is Episcopalian.  The second photo is a very happy Father Dan not wanting to let Susan go.