Happy Easter

First off, I want to wish a happy Easter to the Wong family. Especially to Father Pete, the Episcopalian priest who taught me, a non-Episcopalian, to say “And also with you,” at the appropriate time during a ‘Piskie service. These words are code for, “I love you.”

He was the same clergyman who once told me, as it says in Scripture, that whenever two or three Episcopalians are gathered, there is a fifth.

Happy Easter to Tessa, who is in the ICU with a serious infection right now. Tessa (age 23) will be celebrating this holiday by binge watching “Monk” episodes with her dad. Her father, a Lutheran minister, will be skipping his first Easter Sunday service in 22 years to sit beside his sick child.

“Pray for my daughter,” says Tessa’s dad. “Please.”

And to Don, who was stuck in traffic when he sent me an email from his phone this morning. Don is trying to make it to Georgia to see his newborn boy, Joshua, born last night at 11:43 p.m.

Don was on a business trip in Indiana and missed the agonizing childbirth. Thankfully, Don’s sister-in-law videoed the entire messy experience in great detail, then sent it to Don. Don watched the video and remarked: “Just imagine passing a kidney stone the size of a second-grader.”

Happy Easter to Aaron and April, my distant cousins, who are having Easter dinner with their daughters Rachel and Kendall, and all their friends. And especially to Aaron, who helped me move a heavy couch today and walked with a limp thereafter no matter how much medicinal beer we administered. The least I can do is mention his name here.

To Veronica, the Guatemalan woman who has been waiting on her U.S. citizenship to be approved for two years. She was approved yesterday. “I am an American now,” said Veronica. “I am weeping as I write this because I am so proud to be American.”

Happy Easter to George and Janet who, last Wednesday, were forced to put their 14-year-old Labrador to sleep. The dog’s name was Suzie.

To Bree (21) who lost her mother in a car accident on Monday. While many are in church, Bree will be preparing a funeral for her mother.

“I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do with my life now,” she said. “If you could, pray for me, please. I miss calling her on the phone.”

Also, while you’re at it, pray for Robbie (10) and Paul (13), brothers whose father left this world last year by his own hand.

This will be the boys’ first Easter without him, and they’re a mess. This holiday will be particularly difficult because their father always sang bass in the choir. Said the boys’ mother: “My boys are going to remember their dad by going fishing.”

To the family of Wallace Mann, the white-haired retired preacher I met by accident on the side of the road. He was selling vegetables at a vegetable stand in Reeltown, Alabama. He sold tomatoes that were beautiful enough to cause palpitations.

Wallace was the nicest man I ever knew. Shortly before he died, he hugged me from his wheelchair and said, “God don’t play favorites, son, but if he did, you’d be it.” Which he probably said to everyone. He died on Easter Sunday a few years ago.

To Brother John and Miss Delores, of Brewton, Alabama. Brother John is the same elderly country preacher who once told me that ice cream was proof that God loved us. Then, like all steadfast Baptists, he took me to Shoney’s.

To Mama. This will be the first Easter I’ll be spending in another state, away from the woman who raised me. A single woman who endured hard times, low wages, and thankless work to bring up two children in the face of perdition.

Happy Easter to my sister, Sarah, and her husband, Paul, and my two towheaded nieces Lily (Uncle Lily), and Lucy (Stinky), who make “enthusiasm” an inadequate word.

To you. No matter who you are. No matter what you’re feeling. No matter what private hell you’re going through. No matter what obstacle you’re trying to surmount. No matter what kind of sadness you’re wading through, no matter what kind of uncertainty is wrecking your sanity. I speak from my heart when I say:

And also with you.

85 comments

  1. Shannon Martin - April 17, 2022 6:45 am

    I’m on a break, staying in a cabin that was built in the 20’s, overlooking a big, beautiful wild bay. Full moon overhead and a tuckered our dog next to me. With lots of time on my hands tonight, I’ll be praying long and deep for the people mentioned in your post. Here’s to newness, goodness, faith and healing. To a rebirth for everyone that needs a fresh start. So, pretty much everyone.

    And also with you. A lifelong Episcopalian and your friend from the North, Shannon

    Reply
  2. PurplrIris - April 17, 2022 7:11 am

    Thank you for a beautiful moment. And also with you.❤️

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  3. Lisa K Riley - April 17, 2022 7:11 am

    And also with you, Sean! He is Risen!

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    • Candace - April 17, 2022 12:42 pm

      He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

      Reply
  4. Emily Walls Ray - April 17, 2022 7:33 am

    Easter has more meaning for me this year because of the transformative Christ. So thankful that He lives. Heard in a sermon this week, “Christ died for us, but also because of us.” Happy Easter! Emily from Alabama

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  5. Georgia E Brooks - April 17, 2022 9:45 am

    And also with you

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  6. Eileen Twiddy - April 17, 2022 9:46 am

    And also with you Sean, and Jamie. Death has list, live has won. Resurrection means new life. Have a blessed Easter.

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  7. Marilyn Vance - April 17, 2022 9:57 am

    He is risen indeed! Praying WITH you for the folks you mentioned in your post today and FOR you, Jamie and the pups to have an Easter you won’t forget! Happy Resurrection Day from Georgia!

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  8. Lee - April 17, 2022 9:58 am

    And to the family you know that lost 2 precious ones and are raising 2 more!
    And also with you. Peace

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  9. Ellouise - April 17, 2022 10:01 am

    And also with you

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  10. Naomi Smith. - April 17, 2022 10:06 am

    Holidays are hard for anyone undergoing indescribable pressures. Prayers for all the suffering in this world. And also with you, Sean and Jamie.

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  11. Irene - April 17, 2022 10:27 am

    Happy Easter Sean. Blessing to you and thank you for writing.

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  12. Patricia DuBois - April 17, 2022 10:37 am

    Without fail, somehow you get me to cry with a big smile. And also with you, my friend. Happy Easter.

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  13. Bret - April 17, 2022 10:44 am

    And also with you Sean Happy Easter ✝️

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  14. Connie - April 17, 2022 10:46 am

    And also with you.

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  15. vickie hayes - April 17, 2022 11:20 am

    And also (especially) with you!

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  16. Peggy League - April 17, 2022 11:26 am

    Happy Easter dear person! Thank you for all you share. We love you very much.

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  17. Ruth Mitchell - April 17, 2022 11:44 am

    “And also with you.”

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  18. Judy - April 17, 2022 11:45 am

    Old Whiskepalian….And with thy spirit

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  19. Jean - April 17, 2022 11:45 am

    Have a blessed Easter and Sean…..And also with you.

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    • Lisa - April 19, 2022 2:00 am

      I just recently discovered you Mr Sean. I am Smitten . I am 39 years married and Christ is my Savior. I am a avid reader. You have impressed me. You are one of the real ones. Please Pray for me and my loved ones . It has been a tough row to hoe lately. I am still Blessed and I know it . Keep these stories coming. We all need them

      Reply
  20. Lois - April 17, 2022 11:58 am

    And also with you!

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  21. niobrarariverrat - April 17, 2022 11:59 am

    Thanks for the nod to Episcopalians. And also with you. Happy Easter, Sean!

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  22. lindawalco - April 17, 2022 12:04 pm

    And with you, also. When did so many forget the meaning of this day? It is the most important day of the year. The one that provides so much hope..a guarantee that we are loved without measure and there is a savior standing there with open arms to surround us, shroud us in a peace beyond measure? Research what a crucifixion is, the most painful, humiliating way to die…..He did it willfully, for you, for me, for all…whether you believe or not, He did it anyway. Today, golf playoffs, three USFL football games, wars, inflations and a plethora of other distractions take our attention off of what matters. I pray, for all mentioned, that those who have gone before us are at peace, whole and are home, and that everyone takes the time to know what this day means….
    And Sean, call your mama…I bet she’s really missing your face

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  23. Martha - April 17, 2022 12:12 pm

    HAPPY EASTER!!! To you and Jamie as well. I am spending Easter with my husband just us. My son is in another state and two of my grandchildren in another part of Florida from me. I had a big fall two weeks ago so sunrise service for me. May watch church on tv. But no matter what or where, Jesus is alive!!!

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  24. Cathy Miller - April 17, 2022 12:12 pm

    Excellent!
    I have included email but I know you are way to nice a person to sell this info to cause spam to appear on my email.

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  25. Kathy - April 17, 2022 12:20 pm

    And Also with you! Happy Easter to you & your wife!

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  26. imcdbw - April 17, 2022 12:22 pm

    And also with you! And Jaime! Happy Easter!
    I’ve been hanging on Jesus’ coattails this past year since my husband went to be with Him. I’ve made it thus far. And you’ve helped. I still have far to go, learning to be who God wants me to be without John. And I will pray for these beloved children of God.

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  27. Judy - April 17, 2022 12:22 pm

    An old Whiskeypalian…and with thy spirit…

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  28. Berryman, Mary M - April 17, 2022 12:26 pm

    Peace of Christ be with you, Sean and Jamie and all that you love. Thank you for this wonderful message this Easter morning. I’ll be celebrating with my two sons today for the first time in 13 years. The prodigal son left home 13 years ago after his daddy died and returned last year to go to nursing school. Thanks be to God!

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  29. Jan Johnston - April 17, 2022 12:28 pm

    And Happy Easter to YOU, Sean! My brother-in-law Don Hoyle and I were recalling old Behold the Lamb memories last night. Don was the paralyzed man who accidentally got dropped of the roof before his healing moment with Jesus. Don also taught Kindegarten Sunday school to all of here of my kids. Because of him, I will Never forget those old classic kids’ songs that start, “It’s Bubbling, It’s bubbling, it’s bubbling in my soul…” and “If I had a little white box to put my Jesus in…”. Don’s 2nd wife is my husband John’s sister Rosemary. We are celebrating Resurrection Day in The big new house Chris recently bought. Have a blessed day!

    Reply
  30. Judy - April 17, 2022 12:33 pm

    An old Whiskeypalian and with thy spirit…

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  31. Faye Hutt - April 17, 2022 12:41 pm

    Love you, too, Sean!

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  32. Linda Lewis - April 17, 2022 12:43 pm

    Happy Easter. God is good.

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  33. Mike - April 17, 2022 12:46 pm

    Thank you Sean a Happy Easter to all.

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  34. Shelton A. - April 17, 2022 12:56 pm

    Sean, I’m Episcopalian too and we have another saying…God loves you both (and the dogs) and so do I. Happy Easter.

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  35. Margaret Jackson - April 17, 2022 12:59 pm

    Happy Easter to you and Jamie in your new home. God bless you!!!

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  36. Judy+Mercer - April 17, 2022 12:59 pm

    …And also with you…

    Reply
  37. Barbara Culwell - April 17, 2022 12:59 pm

    Happy Easter to you Sean! This is just what I needed to hear today! YES HE IS Risen INDEED! I have so much to be grateful for… and my life is very rich with my heart pulled is so many directions with those that I know and love.

    Reply
  38. Mary Wynn Craig - April 17, 2022 1:01 pm

    And also with you, the fellow who makes me laugh or cry or contemplate or all three every day. I’m so glad God made you you, and so is your dad who is happy and healthy, your mom, the math teacher’s parents and all the wonderful people you’ve written about over the years. Happy Easter.

    Reply
  39. Jim Baker - April 17, 2022 1:07 pm

    EASTER BLESSINGS from Jim Garnett

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  40. Bill - April 17, 2022 1:08 pm

    Happy Easter to all. He is ris

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  41. Bob - April 17, 2022 1:08 pm

    Happy Easter Sean. A very nice message this morning! Thank you.

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  42. Kent Brooks - April 17, 2022 1:12 pm

    A wonderful story of real life on this Easter morning. May our risen Savior touch the families mentioned.

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  43. bs65 - April 17, 2022 1:18 pm

    And also with you, Sean. My friend Steven Langston in Clayton NC sent me one of your books that you signed for me. I got it just in time for Easter.

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  44. Paul McCutchen - April 17, 2022 1:27 pm

    Happy Easter Sean and thanks..

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  45. cuhullen - April 17, 2022 1:46 pm

    And also with you.

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  46. Maggie Priestaf - April 17, 2022 1:51 pm

    Thank you, Sean. Prayers requested have been offered. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

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  47. Tamara Lynn Bode - April 17, 2022 2:10 pm

    Amen, Amen, Amen, brother.

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  48. Deb - April 17, 2022 2:26 pm

    And also with you from a catholic.

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  49. Suellen - April 17, 2022 2:42 pm

    And also with you! We Lutherans say it too and several dozen He is risen indeed! Alleluia !’s this morning. We buried my Dad during Easter week 30 years ago but we knew Sunday was coming. Easter reminds us that we will all be together again in heaven with our risen Christ. Alleluia!

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  50. Donna George/Moskovitz - April 17, 2022 2:50 pm

    And also with you, dear sweet Sean.

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  51. sheilla d boyd - April 17, 2022 3:03 pm

    and also with you!

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  52. Ann - April 17, 2022 3:59 pm

    And also with you…Amen🙏🏻

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  53. Deborah Caporaso - April 17, 2022 3:59 pm

    And also to you!!

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  54. Suzanne - April 17, 2022 4:18 pm

    And also with you. I’ll be saying that a lot this morning but it will be even more poignant after reading this. I’ll also remember those you mentioned in prayer.

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  55. Shann Mcgwier - April 17, 2022 4:43 pm

    And also with you🙏Comfort to those in need ❤️

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  56. mizliz225Miz Liz - April 17, 2022 5:08 pm

    Happy Easter to you, sweet and amazing Sean. Your Easter message made my heart calm.
    And also with you ‼️🙏🏻💕

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  57. Linda Moon - April 17, 2022 5:11 pm

    No code needed here from me. I love you and Jamie also. I prayed for Robbie and Paul just now. Two brothers I love have been remembering their dad for a long time. And so, from my heart to all these others, I pray for you. too. He Is Risen Indeed.

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  58. AlaRedClayGirl - April 17, 2022 5:19 pm

    Easter blessings to everyone!

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  59. Susie Flick - April 17, 2022 6:07 pm

    Easter blessings to you and yours. Easter and Good Friday aren’t always the same date each year. Remembering my Mom always, passed away on Good Friday in 1992. I miss her all the time and it’s been 30 years.
    Blessings to all!

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  60. Becky+Souders - April 17, 2022 7:00 pm

    Thank you, Sean. Blessings to you and Jamie.

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  61. Cathy M - April 17, 2022 7:50 pm

    Easter is the most meaningful of all holidays. My favorite. The first for you and Jaimie in Birmingham. Welcome once again and I know your Mom is missing you and is so very proud. She did a great job raising you. Indeed❤️🙏🏻🦋

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  62. Karen - April 17, 2022 8:38 pm

    And also with you. Happy Easter.🐣

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  63. Susie Murphy - April 17, 2022 9:19 pm

    Thank you. And also with you.

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  64. Karen Stephens Bassett - April 17, 2022 10:23 pm

    Sean…I just figured out who you remind me of! Gerard Butler, the Scottish actor. Hubba, hubba!

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  65. old4eyes - April 17, 2022 10:48 pm

    And also with you and Jamie.

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  66. Phil (the Brown Marlin) - April 17, 2022 10:55 pm

    Ditto to you and yours.

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  67. Mary Catherine Barks - April 17, 2022 11:51 pm

    And also with you Sean. All the way from Wyoming…I absolutely love reading your “work” which is more like a mission of yours if you ask me. Which you didn’t. But, if you did ask me, I’d say your “pen and paper” are tools from heaven that you’ve been given to light the world. I’m truly grateful you use your gift so that I (and so many others) can escape this mad, mad world for a moment. Have a blessed day!

    Reply
  68. Rose Eliff - April 17, 2022 11:59 pm

    Thank you for sharing the opportunity to pray for those who have reached out to you. May they and all those in need of prayer (that covers us all, doesn’t it?) find peace and grace through their struggles.
    And also with you.

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  69. Anne S. Duraski - April 18, 2022 12:40 am

    Hey, Sean, my son, would like to have a beer with you. He was very touched by your writing. He, after 12 years of hell and travail, is finally graduating from Jacksonville State University, a hop and a skip from Birmingham. Jake is the definition of enthusiastic, as well. With a major in communication, he could use your advice and encouragement.
    Thanks ever so much. Anne Duraski

    Reply
  70. Patricia Gibson - April 18, 2022 2:00 am

    Easter Blessing 🐇🐥

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  71. Suzanne - April 18, 2022 2:07 am

    Beautiful! Thank You!
    Peace be with you.

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  72. Mary - April 18, 2022 3:00 am

    As a Lutheran, “and also with you!

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  73. Debbie g - April 18, 2022 5:22 am

    And also with you and Jamie love to all

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  74. Dana Blackwood - April 18, 2022 10:00 am

    Sean,

    I wanted to thank you for reminding me of some of the traditions I learned as an adult that I’ve seen fade. I believe this one tradition especially special.

    I was born into a family of Pentecostals. Yep, holy rollers. My singing opened many doors for me. I spent 35 years in ministry using the gift to honor God to the best of my ability. For 21 years I lead worship, among other things, at an Anglican Church in Buckhead, an Atlanta connecting city. One of the things that church did was “pass the peace.” At a point earlier in the service we were instructed to pass the peace. We’d then turn and say to our neighbors and say “the peace of the Lord be with you” and in turn you’re neighbor would respond “and also with you.” Some would then shake hands and others, mostly fundamentalists, would give our neighbors a hug. I loved this. It connected us to each other in a human way. Shared joy, suffering, whatever. Thanks for reminding me of this.

    So currently I’m a contractor, big career change, but I’m helping a small church by being their interim worship leader on Sundays. After I greeted the congregation Easter Sunday with the traditional Easter greeting, He is risen, I reminded them of the tradition of passing the peace. It was beautiful to see people look at each other again and the low roar of the greetings warmed my heart.

    Thank you, Sean and hey, the peaco of the Lord be with you!

    Reply
    • Lisa - April 19, 2022 2:03 am

      Also with you

      Reply
  75. Cindy - April 18, 2022 12:37 pm

    And also with you!

    Reply
  76. John Thomas - April 18, 2022 9:31 pm

    You would make a good Episcopalian. I was able to overcome my Baptist upbringing and you can too!

    Reply
  77. Heather - April 19, 2022 1:39 am

    I am Jewish, yet your words resonate with me so. I learned them when attending church services with friends while growing up. They always struck me as such kind, encompassing words. I especially love when Passover and Easter overlap because the two holidays hold such special meaning to many of the people I know and love. And also with you.

    Reply
  78. Abbe Laboda - April 19, 2022 1:51 am

    Thank God for you Sean, your words are blessings, and also with you.

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  79. Julie - April 19, 2022 2:33 am

    I am a ‘recovering Catholic’ and learned the and also with you as well as the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory forever and ever Amen. Thank you for being you. Bless Jamie too.

    Reply
  80. Susan - April 19, 2022 5:38 am

    …and also with you.

    Reply
  81. Julie Bethell - April 20, 2022 1:17 am

    My experience is that Episcopal congregations, mine included, love the “joyful noises” that the babies and children make during services. We love young families!

    Reply
  82. CHARALEEN WRIGHT - April 23, 2022 12:33 am

    Reply

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