Dear Brothers and Sisters,
When I was a little kid, people kept asking me over and over, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Every couple of decades, I’ve asked myself that question. I am so very grateful that eventually, with work and imagination, often I was able to do what I hoped I’d be able to.
In this time of social and political turmoil, in the lead-up to the November election, I think it’s worthwhile to ask ourselves, “What do I want my country to be as it continues to grow?” And then to go to prayer and ask God, “What do you want this nation to be?” Then VOTE in a way that will bring this about.
But that’s not what this letter is about. It’s about St. Margaret’s. If you look to the right of the little coffee pot I have upstairs (by the closet that the altar guild uses), you will see the document, signed and sealed by Bishop Warnecke on November 14, 1971, declaring that St. Margaret’s is a parish of the Diocese of Bethlehem. Down the hall, just before the office, is a document from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, dated July 13, 1965, incorporating St. Margaret’s. Next time you’re in the church, pause just before you go into the nave, and look to your right along the wall. You’ll see a cornerstone from St. Margaret’s Chapel, dated 1939. It’s from the first St. Margaret’s Church building, 1938-1956.
I wonder what hopes people had for St. Margaret’s in 1938? I wonder what we were hoping in 1956? In 1965? In 1971? More importantly, I wonder what we’re hoping today?
What do you hope St. Margaret’s will be as it continues to grow up? It’s nice to imagine what it used to be like. But I promise that it’s not going to be the same as it was in any of those dates I mentioned. And what does God hope it will be? Please give some thoughts and prayer time to these very, VERY important questions. I am certain God does want us to continue growing up into the St. Margaret’s God hopes for. What does that look for? What are we called to become?
Seriously. Try asking these questions.
Prayers ascending for all,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- August 5-9: Ellie Escher Summer Music Camp
- August 11: Collection for Emmaus Food Bank and Animal Food Bank
- August 25-31: Mo. Laura vacation week
- September 7, 4:00: Picnic Pot Luck
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00