by Sarah Allison, Campaign Leadership Committee member
When I was asked to be involved in the From Our Founding to Our Future capital campaign, it was very easy for me to shout “YES!” because I love the Episcopal faith and this Church.
I was born and raised Episcopalian in the wonderful Church of The Good Shepherd in the small town of Allegan, Michigan. Everyone knew their neighbors’ business in Allegan – the good, the bad, and the ugly. As a child, I learned that when bad things happened, the people of the church stuck together like family. In the church, I witnessed forgiveness, acceptance, and the force of God.
When our family moved from the east side in 1959, we joined Christ Church Cranbrook. From the first day I entered this church, I was immediately struck by a deep sense of the sacred. I felt safe, I marveled at its beauty and its obvious rich history. We did not know anyone, but soon enough the parishioners of Christ Church Cranbrook became like family once again. We made friends with other young couples with families and became involved in the Christian Education program. I joined the Vestry, twice. Again, what did I see? During good times and bad, people gathering together to worship God. For these reasons, I want our church to thrive, which is why it is easy for me to help Christ Church Cranbrook to move forward and reach future generations.
When I look around, I see that we have fallen behind in ensuring that the rest of our campus reflects the beauty of our church and community. We have been too modest in the improvements in the past and our campus sorely needs updating. Our spaces are now insufficient for our growing parish. As we take this next step in our history, we will need courage, stamina, and bravery to successfully complete this capital campaign. But more than anything, we will need to take a leap of faith. A leap of faith in our generosity. A leap of faith in our trust in God and one another. But isn’t that what family is for? Now is the time for all of us to join together and participate in the From Our Founding to Our Future capital campaign. Together, let us honor the past and push into our future.
For more info about the From Our Founding to Our Future capital campaign, please visit our website. Questions or ready to pledge? Email us.