Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It’s the middle of summer, usually the “quiet” time of year in the church. Although, as I write this, 20-some teenagers are practicing the songs of a Broadway musical in the church, accompanied by clapping hands, yells from the teacher as she breaks into their chatter to correct errors in the songs, and the trampling of swift young feet rampaging up and down the stairs to the next exercise, to lunch, or to a yoga practice. So I can’t
exactly say it’s quiet. It’s absolutely joyful noise, though. At least to my ears.
This means, however, that in addition to our usual worship schedule, many things like classes and meetings are on pause. Hopefully, some of the busy-ness of all our lives can slow down a bit for a few weeks and we can catch our breath.
But there are still two important things that you need to know about.
At St. Margaret’s, we love to pray for people. And we are one of the rare parishes where each Sunday, we pray together the names of all the folks on our list. As St. Paul writes in today’s reading from Colossians 1, “we have not ceased praying for” them. It’s easy, though, to “park” people on the list and forget to update the office when they can come off. So we’re planning to update the list. If someone should stay on, we’re glad to keep them on—send me an email or hand me a note when you see me. I know of a few myself who should stay on. But if we don’t hear from you, we’ll be taking them off on July 16. I’ll announce it a second time on Sunday. Let me emphasize, we’re glad to keep praying for folks!
On July 20, Canon Missioner Barbara Harrison Seward will be making her first visitation to St. Margaret’s. Bishop Kevin and Bishop Audrey (Central PA) are changing the way visitations are handled. Please make a point of coming to meet Canon Barbara, who is a really fun and interesting person to talk with. Let’s show her St. Margaret’s wonderfully hospitable welcome. She will be preaching and celebrating at the July 20 service. I’ve never heard her preach before so I’m looking forward to it!
Praying daily with you, for our nation, our parish, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- July 20 9:00 service, Canon Barbara Harrison Seward ‘s Visitation
- August 11-15 Music Camp, student show at 6:00 on Friday. FREE!
- **Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- **Saturdays, Seventh Day Adventist congregation, 9:00-3:00