St. Anne’s Offers a Spiritual Lift for Parishioners
I moved to Annapolis from Connecticut last summer and joined St. Anne's shortly thereafter. When I attended the Fall Picnic in September, I needed to drop off some water bottles for the picnic and met Jo Tetlow in front of the church. She was very welcoming, and after the service, I met some more friendly parishioners in the food line, including Petey Cosby. I was uplifted to find such a lovely church with a welcoming congregation.
I traveled to New England in October for a company conference in Rhode Island. On my second day there, I fell in the hotel and broke my right kneecap. After two harrowing flights back to BWI, I arrived home and was unable to drive. I had to have surgery and was told it would be a long recovery. I was dismayed about how to attend church since I knew so few people in Annapolis. The Holy Spirit moved me to reach out to Jo Tetlow since I had corresponded with her about the picnic. She responded that she would find me a ride, and immediately contacted some Spiritual Lift members. Petey Cosby then called me and arrived at my door on Sunday morning. She helped me to her car, and we had a lovely drive to church, where we parked right in front of the church doors. Not only was I elated to have gotten a ride, but I also enjoyed getting to know Petey. From then on, she showed up every Sunday morning without fail. One Sunday she was not available, so Jo Tetlow showed up instead with Patricia Jennings in the back seat. Patricia was having car trouble and needed a ride as well. It was so wonderful meeting Patricia and adding one more parishioner to my list of acquaintances.
On another Sunday, Janice Jobson arrived to pick me up, even though she was having knee replacement surgery the next day. I could hardly believe it! I was so grateful to her and the other Spiritual Lift members who helped me through a very difficult time of being injured in a new city.
I would recommend to any parishioner who needs a ride for any reason (even car trouble) to reach out to this wonderful group of church members (angels) who are ready to help. I feel so blessed to know them, and I have now become a Spiritual Lift member myself, wanting to return the kindness I was shown. I am excited to provide both a physical and spiritual lift to anyone in need!
Best,
Andrea Szechenyi, Spiritual Lift Member
A Cup of Cold Water is a pastoral care ministry that provides St. Anne’s parishioners: a Listening Lift, a Nourishing Lift (meals), and a Spiritual Lift (transportation).
The Spiritual Lift team coordinates transportation on a short-term basis for ambulatory parishioners needing access to the church or medical facilities.
To join this ministry team or to reach out for a Spiritual Lift, contact The Rev. Kathy Shahinian at clergy@stannes-annapolis.org or call the Parish House at 410-267-9333.