Stewardship Minutes

Robin Jones

I came to St. Nicks 14 years ago, as a 13-year-old newly baptized Baptist. My parents and I had just moved to Virginia Beach from San Diego, by way of Philly, where I had just completed two years of Catholic school.

They told me I would have to come to mass with them for our first year in town, but then, when I turned 14, they would take me to the Baptist church of my choice…well, wouldn’t you know it…at 14 I became old enough to audition for the St. Nick Folk Group. I had been in the choir at Christ the King in Philly…but this choir here was good!

So, 13 years ago I stood in front of Peg (of course I would never have called her that back then) and Robin and sang my heart out to “Happy Birthday” (the worst audition song ever written)…and they took me in…Baptist hat and all. Two years later I decided that St. Nicholas was my faith home, and I wanted to make a truly soulful decision to become an active participant in this community – so I went through First Communion and Confirmation, and became a Catholic. (You see, deciding to be Baptized in the Baptist church was a decision I made shortly before we moved to Philly – when I was upset about moving away from my friends and looking for a way to bond with my dad – not because truly wanted to be a Baptist).

Since that time, the Folk Group has become part of my family, in every sense of the word. I have a uncle/God Father, sisters, brothers, and even a mom who have looked after me while my folks have been moved to other parts of the country courtesy of the US Navy.

Peg has taught me the value of sharing my gifts for the praise and glory of the one who gave them to me, and my faith has been enriched beyond my expectations by this giving and sharing – not only with my fellow “groupies”…but also with you.

Thank you for this minute (or two)…and have a great afternoon.