A Bridge to a Bright Future – We Are Building Something Here at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Amarillo, TX

At first glance, this may look like a scouting article. To be honest, there is definitely a scouting component. Jace and Michael were in Cub Scouts together. That was the beginning of many cool adventures. Just keep reading for the rest of the story.  

There is beautiful symmetry in a bridge and it’s role in scouting as well as the role of the Eagle as inspiration.  “But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,  they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 

First, we rebuilt a bridge (over 400 man hours of service). Michael went on to earn his Eagle Rank and graduated Salutatorian from a class of 436 students. He will be continuing to make an impact while pursuing a Doctorate in Music Education.  

Second, we gave a Boys Scouts of America Venturing Crew 2086 a place to meet, plan, fellowship and grow. This high adventure unit continues to thrive while building communication bridges between young men and women.

Third, we rebuilt and improved a water catchment system (over 200 man hours of service). This was the critical beginning of everything to do with our Garden Beyond the Walls Ministry. The act of service bridged more than one friendship gap and reminded at least one youth what he was really about. Jace’s Eagle project was the bridge needed to bring his friend back. The Eagle Candidate, Jace, went on to earn his Eagle Rank and will continue to serve in the Navy as an officer, when he graduates from the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. And his friend graduated and is planning to pursue his EMT certification.

Fourth, we saw a need and filled the gap. Cub Scout Pack 3054 needed a safe place to meet as their last Chartered Organization sold the building where they were meeting. St. Peter’s now charters an amazing Pack and attended their Blue and Gold Banquet. Wow! The leaders and scouts are phenomenal! We were so inspired, this article is the result. TJ Snavely is getting ready to bridge from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. What a great kid! 

Who needs bridges anyway?  

The lost need a bridge. The disconnected believer needs a bridge. The hurting church member needs a bridge. Those who grieve without hope or feel unloved or…. or….fill in the blank. Truly, we all need a bridge! If we don’t see ourselves in those on one side of a chasm, then we are likely on the other side or perhaps somewhere in between.   

God built and amazing Bridge! You know where this is headed, right? By His teachings, examples, love and sacrifice, Jesus Himself, is the ultimate bridge. Our future is out there. St. Peter’s Garden Beyond Our Walls Ministry is a bridge to feeding those who are food insecure. Like TJ bridging to Boy Scouts, we have to be brave and take that next step.

It is fitting that as we celebrate the Birth of the Church, we are reminded to be helpful and kind as we continue building bridges and soaring like Eagles.