Member Spotlight: Jo Foster!

1-What is your ‘go to’ bible verse to get you through the day? “Bless the Lord, O my soul“ Psalm 103. Every day when I wake, I say thank you Lord for this day, and all the blessings you’ve given me all my life.

2-Briefly tell us about a recent fun activity you and or your family participated in.

We have a family tradition each year at the beach during the summer. This year all eighteen of us from children to Grandma, we visit Hammock Beach resort located in Palm Coast. We enjoy the entire resort which includes three pools, a lazy river and the glorious ocean. We rent a cabana and all the family runs in and out of it throughout the day of activities. We capture each years memories with a group photo taken by a friend.

3-Do you have a favorite recipe or take-out meal recommendation you would like to share?

We have a family home on Crystal River where we gather regularly and enjoy a lot of fresh fish. Our Grandson also loves to fish! Although I like to bake or broil our fresh catch, we enjoy his seafood, just about anyway he prepares it.

4-Your family and you have been a valued Grace member for a long time. Please share how long ago it was, what brought you here and tell us about a fond memory. I am an Ocala native. My parents were members of this church and we attended as a family. Since I was born in Ocala and a cradle Episcopalian, and I just celebrated a birthday, I have been attending Grace for 85 years! I believe Ann Anderson (I‘ve known her since I was five!) and I are currently the longest living members of the church! I have been blessed to also be confirmed, married and have our own children baptized here! Some of my fondest memories were of the middle school dances we held in Grace Hall. Mary Caroline, my cousin and still my best friend, attended Grace Church with our family and together we danced with joy! Later we became college roommates and met our husbands at a fraternity event.

5- What is it that Grace Church has, (like a secret sauce) that keeps you engaged, week after week? I walk in through those red doors and immediately I feel a peace that I‘ve never felt anywhere. Father Jonathan even says that he sees the peace in me while in church. Sometimes I do not want church to be over. I’ve often said that I am addicted to Grace Episcopal Church. I joke that the only day I know is Sunday. I am truly blessed that I have the opportunity to live my life by three F’s: Faith, Family & Friends, and especially here at Grace.