(From January 2009) Anne and I became members of the Transfiguration family when we relocated to the greater Chicago area in 1971 in order for me to accept a teaching position at Moraine Valley Community College. Over the ensuing decades I have been involved in many church commitments: three times on the vestry, head of the church Christmas basket program for several years, three stints on the stewardship committee, and of course, what is required of every able bodied male at sometime, building and grounds.

Since my retirement a few years ago, I have been letting others carry the burden of service to our parish. I realize this is wrong. Regardless of one's age, he/she shares as much responsibility as any other parishioner of any age in offering themselves to serve our parish. In addition, the almost forty years of my membership at Transfiguration will provide an historical perspective to the issues and challenges we face as a parish. Indeed, it is that perspective that has led me to believe that one of the major challenges we face is to find a way to involve those parishioners who are "empty nesters" and retirees as actively in the church family as those who are parents of young children. Should I become a member of the vestry, this is the major issue I would address.