Editor, Gazette-Journal:

On behalf of Ware Church, I would like to express my gratitude to our community partners who participated in the Wonder at Ware ArtWalk this past Saturday: The Fairfield Foundation, VIMS, Virginia Master Naturalists, and Scout Troops 111 and 1651. It is generous actions, like this, that foster goodwill and begin to heal our world.

Each organization brought care and attention to each child that was present. They came with activities, art projects, and enthusiasm. Whether it was making a fish print with VIMS, the touch and feel with Fairfield Foundation, a watercolor butterfly with the Master Naturalists, or planting with the Scouts, it was incredibly encouraging to see our community come together and support the children of Gloucester County.

Likewise, I wish to thank our friends at the local elementary schools—the art teachers and their administrations that took the extra time to give their students the opportunity to be celebrated and have their art displayed. You deserve extraordinary credit for your steadfast support of these children throughout an incredibly difficult last two years—thank you.

We each have the capacity to participate in this work of building up our community. No matter what we do (even studying fish or sifting through dirt), we have the choice to build relationships with those whom we encounter. May we each choose to live in this way: giving of ourselves, generously; building connections, authentically. When we do this, our world begins to heal.

Rev. Scott Parnell
Rector, Ware Episcopal Church
Gloucester, Va.