FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION

This past Saturday Justina Harriott and Theophilus Zaharopoulos were married at St. Gregory's. It was a holy and joyous celebration.

It was also particularly moving to me as I remembered that Justina's grandmother--Reta Alexander--was a member of St. Gregory's and a much-beloved member of the church staff when I arrived as Rector in 2005. Reta's daughter, Jackie Harriott, continues as a faithful member of the congregation. She has raised her three children--Melissa, Charles, and Justina--at St. Gregory's. All three are "graduates" of our Sunday School and Youth Ministry.

As Justina and Theo stood before the altar, I remembered that as a teenager, Justina served as a youth verger and was a regular presence serving at the altar. Here she was again at the altar being blessed by God. This is her spiritual home. Melissa and her husband Nick were also married at St. Gregory's and are active church members. Melissa serves as a Sunday School teacher and their children-- Alexandra and Michael--participate in our Sunday School. This is a family with four generations of influence and impact on our life together at St. Gregory's. What a difference they have and continue to make! We all know that South Florida is a transient place. Roots are not always deep in our sandy soil. But I am grateful that at St. Gregory's the soil of God's love in Christ is rich and deep. This is true and life-giving from generation to generation!

In Christ,

Fr. Andrew+