Ashley Malesky

Last night, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was shot in the ear at a rally in western Pennsylvania, in what is being treated as an assassination attempt; while he appears to be OK, another bystander was killed, and several others were critically injured. Please pray for Mr. Trump, those affected, and for our nation to avoid further violence and division.

Father Jon Stratton shared a pastoral message reminding us that Jesus calls us to stand firm and lift our heads even during difficult times, promising to show up and support us as we strive to build a more loving and respectful community.

Although summer may seem like a time to relax, the church remains active with numerous events and responsibilities, such as feeding the hungry and organizing important meetings about diocesan reunification. Please take note of upcoming events, including Bishop Kevin and Bishop Audrey’s Town Hall Meetings on July 9 and 15, Ellie Escher’s music camp performance on July 12, and food blessings and a service at Legend of Allentown on July 14, while I take short vacations throughout July, August, and September.

Summer is here, and while you may be traveling, remember you can still join St. Margaret’s services via our Sunday livestream on Facebook at 9:00 AM. Also, don’t miss Ellie Escher’s music camps on July 8-12 and August 5-9, featuring free performances by talented teens on the Fridays at 6:30 PM—everyone is welcome!

From June 23-28, deputies from across the Episcopal Church will gather in Louisville, KY for the 81st General Convention, where they will make important decisions for the church, including the election of a new Presiding Bishop to succeed Michael Curry. Please keep all the deputies and bishops in your prayers, asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom in their deliberations.

Our dear brother George Allport passed away on May 29. His daughter wrote a touching obituary that highlights his adventurous, service-filled, and loving life, including his military career, deep commitment to faith and family, and his impact on many through his kindness and leadership.

Our parish thrives on community effort, and we urgently need volunteers to help esure we have backups in all areas, from worship roles to building maintenance and finance. Join us in maintaining the vitality of St. Margaret’s by considering one of the many opportunities to serve, knowing there will always be training and support, and remember, no one should have to do it alone—Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs for a reason!

On June 15th at 11:30, join us at St. Barnabas in Kutztown for a special program about the Underground Railroad featuring an imagined meeting with Harriet Tubman, followed by a talk-back with actors and a barbecue lunch. Space is limited, so please register in advance at stbarnabascenter@hometownu.com to celebrate Freedom Day with us.

Mo. Laura reminds us that Pentecost highlights the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to recognize the Spirit’s constant support in our lives, especially during times of illness and difficulty. She urges the community to offer support and prayers to those in need, emphasizing the importance of being there for each other as God intended.

As we approach the end of the Easter season, Mo. Laura reflects on the significance of the Ascension, emphasizing the disciples’ astonishment and the assurance it brings of being united with Jesus in the future. Despite the unexpected event, it serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ divinity and the hope it instills for the future.

Amidst preparations for a presentation on Celtic Spirituality, Mo. Laura reflects on the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality, drawing parallels between the growth of Egyptian Walking Onions and the spread of evangelism. Encouraging us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of creation, she emphasizes the constant presence of God and the messages of love and nurture found in the natural world.