Rich History: “And then…”

Nearly every Sunday morning, one can find Joan DiLorenzo sitting in the exact same spot – lectern side, second pew from the front, aisle seat. It has been her seat for a very long time.

In the late 1980s, Joan and her husband found their way to St. Philip through a simple newspaper ad. When they first attended, they discovered much more than just a place of worship; it was a community that would change their lives forever.

Joan was immediately drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of St. Philip. The church was bustling with activities, and, most importantly, it was a place where people genuinely cared about each other. She became actively involved in various church groups, from the altar guild to women's circles, and even the Congregation Council. It was a time of deep connection and shared purpose.

However, life is often a rollercoaster of highs and lows. "Everything was running really well," Joan remembered. "And then…" The "and then" was a dark time for Joan and her involvement with the church. In 1996, Joan faced a heart-wrenching double loss. Her father and brother passed away in the same month, leaving a hole in her life that seemed impossible to fill. "We all have to go through trials and tribulations. That’s life, right?"

But these trials and tribulations were hard for Joan. Attending St. Philip became difficult for her, and she stopped attending. Her once-occupied pew remained empty as she grappled with grief and disillusionment. It was a dark time, a period of searching for something that had once felt so complete.

But God kept tugging at her. The love and community she had once found within St. Philip drew her back. She returned to St. Philip, hoping to rekindle the sense of belonging and purpose she had lost.

And there, in the hospitality of the church, she discovered what she had been searching for. Joan found a community that welcomed her back with open arms, a community that genuinely cared for one another.

Reflecting on her journey, Joan said, "There was just too much missing in my life. There was a big void. I came back to see if I could find what I was looking for - and I did." Life had thrown its trials and tribulations at her, but Joan had found her way back to her same ol’ seat - and a place of comfort and belonging.

"At St. Philip, I love that I have gotten support from people. You just don't have that everywhere you go," Joan shared. St. Philip has given her more than just faith; it has given her a family united in a common purpose. And these days, Joan sees in St. Philip much of what kept her here in the first place: plenty of activity, plenty of care and support, and plenty of new people.

Joan’s story is a testament to the power of community and the enduring spirit of St. Philip, a church with a rich history of welcoming and supporting its members through the ups and downs of life. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is a place where one can find solace, understanding, and the strength to carry on, just as generations before have found within this generous community of faith.

Because of your generosity, we have been able to support and welcome throughout our rich history. We ask you to continue to grow in your support of this community of faith in our vibrant present as we grow into our hopeful future.