And So It Began - Rose Bauerlein

In 1971 John and I moved to Wilmington with our family. We found a new home and quickly settled into our neighborhood. Next came a search for a new church home. Our neighbors, who belonged to St. James, invited us to join them for a meeting about starting a new Episcopal church. We joined Protestants, Catholics, unchurched folks and members of the steering committee from four local Episcopal parishes in this adventure. We began our services/meetings at College Park School, then the YMCA and back to College Park School before proudly moving to our first building in 1975. Our Rector, Clem Jordan, was a delightful young priest of faith, creativity, love, and energy. He encouraged us to keep our feet planted on solid ground while we reached out with our hearts to the heavens.

Clem was also trained as a group process leader, and he used his expertise to teach us personal responsibility and problem solving. Our motto in those heady days was "Church of the Servant Does It In Small Groups."

Our daughters and our godchild were the first children baptized in our outside rustic chapel in 1974. As we stood in that small circle, Clem spoke about the Baptismal vow as well as the kinship of all those gathered on this special day. He said he once heard that "to love someone is to invite them to live and bid them to grow." We tried to incorporate those words into parenting and in our lives. I continue to love being present for those who are baptized and supporting them on their spiritual journey along life's path.

I know that my spiritual journey as an adult really began with Clem and his ministry. He was real and inspired us to look for God in all of creation. He also knew that we sometimes miss the mark and need to accept ourselves, warts and all. Clem believed in sharing the confidence he had in you and inspired me to serve in numerous leadership roles. When we were installed to the vestry, he presented each of us a beautiful red rose, a symbol of love. I’ve been here almost 50 years and have continued to serve because I find it so fulfilling and an honor to give back to the place where I receive so much.

We couldn't be happier with our choice to worship and grow in faith in this—our church home. For Clem and those that followed him along with the love of this congregation, I am thankful.