An interview by Julie Green. John and Jean Falor are founding members of St. Augustine’s Anglican Church.
What do you love about St. Augustine’s?
Jean: I love the people. We are a warm, friendly, caring church.
John: The strength of St. Augustine’s is the comradery—the people of the church. We have placed a lot of emphasis on being a welcoming church. This is seen especially during Pass the Peace. In most churches this takes 2 or 3 minutes, but at St. Augustine’s we spend at least ten minutes greeting everyone.
How has St. Augustine’s changed your life?
Jean: I came from the Episcopal church, which I loved, but I wasn’t taught much about the Bible. I would not have picked one up on my own to read before coming to St. Augustine’s. I’ve really grown as a Christian.
John: We starting attending a Bible study at Fr. Kevin’s house before St. Augustine’s was a church. I didn’t have much of a church background before. I have changed a lot since then…being involved, having experiences with our church and in our dioceses has made a strong impact on me.
What is the importance of a church building to St. Augustine’s?
Jean: Every church needs to have a presence in their community. They need a place where they can meet, serve dinners, have a soup kitchen…just serve the community. We can’t do that now and haven’t been able to do that in our rented spaces. Our neighborhood needs to be able to recognize who we are and where we are. We need to be “that church on the corner.” The one that everyone knows.
John: Once we are in our building, more folks will come who have their own special gifts and they’ll get involved. We are going to grow.