Once my son literally put a message in a bottle. I don’t remember where he was, but he was with his grandmother, and he was about nine years old, and they put a cork in it and tossed it off into the sea. A couple of years later he heard from the person who found it hundreds of miles away on a beach. I wish I could say that something profound came of the contact, but maybe the blessing was that there was contact over time between two people who cared enough to reach out to one another – the one who dared to scribble a note to an unimagined recipient, the other who cared enough to let him know that the message had been found. 

    It feels a little like that for me when I scribble words that go into cyberspace. I don’t know who reads them. I can’t pretend to imagine what it is that leads you to this particular website, but I offer my thoughts with wishes of well being and prayers for grace. It would be a blessing to me if I knew you received them. 

    Chances are that you have come to the Saint Alban’s website because you are searching, in one degree or another, for a home for your heart. You may be a lifelong Episcopalian who has moved to the Austin area or a seeker who does not fully understand what the longing in your heart means. Whoever you are, you will be warmly welcomed when you come to visit us. We come from many backgrounds ourselves. One of the aspects of our church that we most cherish is our diversity – ethnic, racial, theological, educational, financial. You are certain to find someone here who is at least a little like you and others who offer their own gifts.  

    I am always happy to receive emails and phone contacts from you with whatever questions you might have, but even happier to greet you as we worship. Please know that your presence will be a blessing to our parish family. 

Peace and blessings,

Margaret Waters, Rector