The Reverend Deacon Mary Raysa and Dr. Jimi James To Be Inducted

 St. Luke’s Church is proud to announce that The Reverend Deacon Mary Raysa and Dr. Jimi James will be inducted into the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna at its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 1 at the Proctor Center.

The Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna

The Commission on Affirmative Aging of the Diocese of Southern Ohio sponsors the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna which recognizes, honors and celebrates exemplary Christian ministry of older persons (60 and older) in the Diocese of Southern Ohio who are: 

• At least 15 years as Episcopalians
• Lay or clergy
• Have faithfully ministered in family, community, church, nation, or world
• Publicly acknowledge a positive image of the contributions of aging persons

Like St. Simeon, they offer us the consolation of God through difficult times or when we begin to doubt. And like St. Anna, they inspire us to believe in a liberation that is always fresh and alive with new hope and new energy.

The Society of St. Simeon and St. Anne nomination letter, submitted by St. Luke’s Church, Granville, Ohio for the Class of 2019

Living examples of Christian witness, compassionate lives of faithfulness to the gospel of Christ Jesus; the hope of the gospel for all persons in the diocese: 

Deacon Mary and Jimi's faith is infused in their work with Healing Moments, an Alzheimer's and Dementia Education organization. As educators, they work with those living with dementia and their loved ones, helping them to enhance their quality of life and relationships. Their expertise in this outreach includes workshops on bringing healing, hope and God's eternal gift of grace and love to those living with Alzheimer's.

Outstanding service to the church:

At St. Luke's Mary and Jimi's service is wide-ranging. At Kendal of Granville, a senior living community, they were instrumental in providing a monthly Sunday afternoon Eucharist that included music and fellowship. They served as Eucharistic visitors, providing homebound members with a connection to the church. Jimi and Mary volunteer at the Market Street Pantry, the largest and busiest such provider in Licking County. They are both "Safe Church" trainers, providing St. Luke's and other congregations in the Diocese of Southern Ohio the required trainings focused on keeping a safe environment for children.

Living community of prayer:

Mary and Jimi have organized retreats for several years. These include quiet days during Advent, as well as seasonal spiritual walks at Dawes Arboretum. Jimi uses her training as a scientist and her spiritual belief to help participants connect life in the outdoors to God's creation.

Model for Christian Living: 

Mary and Jimi's presence are a gift to St. Luke's and all those with whom they come in contact. Their compassion for others is evident in their actions and conversations. When you talk with Mary or Jimi they don't just hear what is being said, they listen and respond with care and wisdom. When concerns are shared, the reply includes the offer of prayer.

Look to society for images of life that are lived in imitation of Christ: 

Mary and Jimi are a joy to be around. Their humor, their compassion and the way they live their lives are exceptional examples living a joyful older Christian life.

Dr. Mike Fisher 
Sally McClaskey