Years ago, the Parish was often visited by the “Church Mouse”. A Sunday school teacher once remarked on exactly what this mouse would see around the Church at Christmas time. That thought has stayed with me for years. Just what would that mouse see when he walked around the buildings and grounds, and would God be happy?

God’s greatest commandment is to love. Love ourselves, our enemies, our neighbors. Love is bursting around St. Paul’s. If the mouse were to see the dedication of Deb as she prepares for the holiday season with all her work with the bulletins, letters, and ….he would see love. Watching Bill prepare the buildings, he would see love. The clergy…love. Listening to the choirs prepare for all the services….love. It is shown by the altar guild as it decorates and prepares for services. Musicians, teachers, vestry all show love. Love is everywhere, and that just touches on those who are involved with St. Paul’s. The mouse still has to head across the street to see the Parish House.

The little church mouse would be worn out scurrying about to see all that goes on. Love is at coffee hour. It’s in the classes. It’s shown in the faces of the children as they prepare for the pageant. It’s shown in the hard work when the children make Christmas cards to be included with the baskets. Overwhelming love is shown by the many people who put together and deliver the Christmas baskets. Downstairs, the mouse can see the love that the nursery school brings to St. Paul’s. They help with the collection of pajamas, the ingathering of food, and sing beautifully to our seniors. Everywhere in the Parish House, people take the time to share of themselves, whether it is teaching a class, or buying a warm set of pajamas. It’s even shown in the many groups that use the facilities and help each other overcome their addictions. The kindness would warm the mouse as he headed over to report his findings.

After all that running around, the mouse would slowly walk up to the congregation. People would have to listen closely, and some may fidget as the mouse catches his breath. Everyone waits to hear his evaluation. Quietly, one word would escape and the answer would be yes. St. Paul’s is about love and caring for others. All are welcome and He would be pleased.