Response to Bishop Rockwell's sermon

As parishioners who joined in the early 1990s, Mary and I had only seen Hays Rockwell twice before: when he presided at a funeral in 1995 and at the rededication of the church after the 2001-02 renovation. Neither occasion afforded him the opportunity to speak about his tenure as rector of St. James’, so we were delighted to hear him preach and lead the adult education forum last Sunday.

We witnessed firsthand the strong bonds of affection that still exist between him and so many of our fellow parishioners, a living example of the care for one another that he described as the foundation of parish life. His sharp and superb wit was also an unexpected surprise to us (we are still laughing about how he and his wife beat the King of Norway to the emergency exits at the Nobel ceremony for Archbishop Tutu).

From his remarks, it is clear that Hays wove a wonderful pattern of faithfulness into his leadership of the parish. Many of the important mission milestones of his rectorate, like the relationship with Archbishop Tutu or involvement in the South Bronx, began with small acts of faith on very ordinary days. They always included uncertainty and risk, and never a guarantee of success. Yet he and the parish always moved forward, even when they were called to serve in faraway places that were, in his words, “on the periphery.” This example of faithfulness is instructive for us today, as we seek to serve in new ways those who currently live on the periphery.

We are thankful for the many gifts that Bishop Rockwell brought to St. James’ and that help make the parish what it is today. We hope that he returns for another visit soon.

-David Andryc
October 21, 2009