There’s been one question I’ve gotten over and over again for the last week and a half: “So, what did you think of the Fair?!” The question is usually accompanied by a wry smile and a twinkle in the eye—as if the questioner already knows what I might say in response.
So… it was amazing! I was just blown away by the sheer size, complexity, level of organization, passion, and the amount of people from the surrounding community who came to participate. As I’ve spoken with my other clergy friends across the church, I’ve struggled with how to explain the Fair to them. It’s not your typical “church fair.” It’s something that is just absolutely extraordinary.
The second thing I want to say though, is that I was so impressed with how many volunteers came together to pull the whole thing off. The week before the fair, at the “Fair-mily Moving Day” I helped the group putting the volunteer name tags together. It took us at least an hour to assemble the tags, and more time to organize them. At one point I just stepped back and looked at the massive pile of tags in front of me—representing all the people who would be coming together on the day of the Fair to volunteer. It blew me away!
I am very, very grateful for the thousands of volunteer-hours that went into the leadership, organization, and clean-up of the Fair. To all of you: thank you.
The Fair is also a sign to me of just how healthy and mature this congregation really is. Just as important, it demonstrates to me just how full of joy and energy St. David’s is. I know that a lot of hard, hard work went into the Fair, but I saw an awful lot of smiles and I heard an awful lot of laughter.
We welcomed many people to our little corner of the Main Line, and we showed them joy. We showed them a community of believers who can come together and do remarkable things.
And, we showed them great pieces of furniture, clothing, and some of the best French fries around!
At my first Fair I feel like I was initiated into a new way of seeing St. David’s, and what St. David’s—at its best—is capable of. I know that the engine at the heart of all of it is our common faith in Christ. This place where generations have come to worship and pray. This place that radiates a spirit of service and care.
This is a place that always welcomes new pilgrims who walk the way of the cross together.
God’s Peace,
Rick
The Rev. Rick Morley
Rector
Published October 17, 2024