Dear All,
Today we celebrate Pentecost! It has always been one of my favorite stories, as some folks are accused of being drunk early in the morning. Now I’ve been known to have had a Bloody Mary occasionally for breakfast, but only on special occasions. And, as a visual thinker, I find myself stunned at the visual of hundreds of folks staggering around, saying funny words. What a sight that must have been! And a true representation of the power of the Holy Spirit! To get that many folks acting as if in a stupor. Wow.
Please join me in congratulating Abby Gaskill and Joe Goggins, who will become Abby & Joe Goggins on Saturday, May 24th! May their marriage be one of joy, wonder, happiness, and peace!
Now, let’s talk about the wonderful opportunities of ministry for which you can sign up!
Greeters are essential – they are the first faces folks see when they come to St. Paul’s for Sunday morning worship. When we have visitors, the greeters are the folks who give off the first impression of what St. Paul’s is about. Are we welcoming and hospitable? Are we folks who enjoy each other and our community? Are we about God’s busy of welcoming the stranger? Every single one of you could be a greeter. That means getting up a few minutes earlier on Sunday so you can stand at the parking lot doors at 9:45 am and welcome all who choose to enter. This is also your chance to catch up with folks you haven’t seen in a while. So how about it?
Coffee hour – known as the third (or 8th) sacrament, depending on how you are counting. I’ve never known an Episcopal Church that does not have a coffee hour after worship. We gather and share our joys and challenges of the week with those whom we consider our church family. It seems that the same folks are hosting coffee hour time and time again. Or we have no treats when no one signs up. And that’s okay too. We will always have coffee. But if you like a donut or cookie with your coffee, you’ll need to sign up to host. Get a buddy, and the two of you can do it on a Sunday.
Blessing Box – folks have been pretty faithful in signing up for this ministry of feeding and caring for those who are in need. We need some new faces, too. Our neighborhood folks who happen to be homeless depend on what’s in the box. Which means they depend on you!
I’ve known you for 13 years, and you are a giving community. Just sometimes, we are a bit hesitant to sign up for anything until the last minute. That seems to be an Episcopalian trait. Please head to the sign-up table and sign up for an opportunity to serve your community.
Last but not least, it is clear you thoroughly enjoy each other’s company, as when you enter the sanctuary for worship, you always find a person or two to greet. I have been teaching the children that when they enter God’s space, they need to be quiet, as someone might be talking with God, and we don’t want to disturb them. A good reminder for us adults, too.
Say your prayers! Have a safe holiday! And thank you to all who serve in the military!
Blessings,
Karen+