“All Saints has made me want to live. While much of my life I never felt like I fit in, something about this community feels right – I feel comfortable being me at All Saints.”
During our Giving Campaign we are telling the stories of some of the saints who make the adventure of All Saints possible through their giving. Today we are telling Laura’s story.
How did you come to find All Saints?
Growing up, my family didn’t go to church. My dad worked 6 days a week, so when I went to church it was with my cousins. Most of my extended family was conservative, and I always thought to myself, “I don’t fit in with religion” so I stopped going as an adult. Then in April 2010, I saw the Rector on Oprah. I called my friend Yolanda who had been inviting me to All Saints for years, and asked if she was coming to church on Sunday. I could hear in her voice that she was smiling. So I came. And I’m still here.
What makes All Saints special for you?
My mom got me hooked on music – bluegrass music – so I enjoy the spiritual music, and especially have fun wearing a robe when I sing in the summer choir. Every Sunday when the procession starts down the main aisle in the church, it reminds me of a grand parade with drum majors and drill teams, and the captain of the team at the back. I started to attend workshops and other events, but my auditory dyslexia made it difficult to feel like I fit in social settings. The first group I joined that I enjoyed was Taizé; I love that we don’t just talk to each other – we sing.
Outside of All Saints, what is something you enjoy?
Photography. When I was in junior high, my older brother gave me his camera and helped me make a dark room in our home. He showed me that ‘I could do it,’ so I learned to never stop trying things people said I couldn’t do. I ended up studying photography at East Los Angeles College, and next year the Vincent Price Art Museum will present a 30-year retrospective of my work.
Why do you support All Saints with an annual pledge?
I attended the noon Eucharist most weekdays for the first two years I was on dialysis. I got to know Susan Russell and others because I felt safe to ask questions about the Bible and they answered them. I love the noon sermons; I feel like people understand me here. Church and dialysis were two things I never thought I’d do. All Saints has made me want to live. While much of my life I never felt like I fit in, something about this community feels right – I feel comfortable being me at All Saints. And it feels good to give, knowing that things like the Food Ministry that I used to lead, help people in our community who really need it.
Here’s how you can pledge today:
➊ Write: return a completed tear-off card (available in the pew racks or parish office)
➋ Click: www.allsaints-pas.org/support/pledge
➌ Call: 626.583.2753
Questions? Contact the All Saints Church Giving Office
Jim Loduha, Senior Director of Development and Giving
132 N Euclid Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
626.583.2736 | JLoduha@allsaints-pas.org
www.allsaints-pas.org/support/pledge
