WEEKLY REFLECTION I September 20, 2026 – Proper 20A

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Last week, I had the great privilege to be part of the St. Barnabas Center’s Food Insecurity Summit. As someone who grew up in an impoverished rural farming community and served in a Soup Kitchen for 20 years, the dramatically growing food insecurity in this nation, and in the world, is very much one of my concerns. Say “food insecurity” to me when you have a few hours to hear my thoughts about it.

But that’s not what this particular letter is about. I was impressed, and “blessed”, by the people who attended. There was a local mushroom farmer, who is also committed to herbal healing (you can ask me about that topic, too), and her son. A whole bunch of high school aged people who were there as volunteers. They said they were part of a scout troop, but that wasn’t why they came. People who cared about the needs of the community and were looking for ways to assist their neighbors. People from organizations involved in addressing the challenges of hunger—for children, students, the elderly, urban and rural poor. And people from various faith communities, remembering Jesus’ command to feed the hungry. In addition, Steve Baker, the Diocesan Chief Financial Officer, and Sandy Milien, the Diocesan Canon for Social Justice, Advocacy & Latino Church Planter, were there with a friend. Volunteers and more volunteers.

In addition to many pieces of information and wonderful ideas, there was another thing I
took away from the Food Insecurity Summit. It reminded me very strongly that the church is
not just our parish, as much as we love it and feel it is a kind of home. The church is ever so
much bigger!

As Episcopalians, we know that the diocese is one of the major structures of the church, But not all of us are involved in diocese-wide events or committees. Even fewer of us are involved in things with other dioceses. For me, it’s when I attend a gathering of parishes and people around the diocese, that I begin to feel the church is more than just us at St. Margaret’s. And when I am part of a gathering with people from other dioceses as well, I
really feel the strength and power of this being we call The Episcopal Church. Take one more step into a gathering of multiple denominations with people from other countries, and the greatness of the CHURCH is almost overwhelming. All week long I’ve been singing one of my favorite hymns, #470 There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy. Verse 3 starts: “For the love of God is broader, than the measure of the mind.” It is wonderful, hopeful and exhilarating to be experiencing that broadness!

This letter has been prompted not only because I was at the Food Insecurity Summit last week, but because I had a very nice, long conversation with Bishop Audrey Scanlan this week. Other than texts and emails, it’s the first time I’ve really had a chance to chat with her. She will be with us on October 11. Then, the following week, our Presiding Bishop, Sean Rowe, will be with us. This is going to be an exciting and enlivening opportunity for us all to be part of the broader church, and a very rare thing indeed!! (When was the last time you got to meet at PB?)

So, once again, I’m including the information about the two events, in case you didn’t have time to read last week’s letter, or are still planning to “get around to it” at some point. Please do consider participating in Bishop Sean’s visit if at all possible. And I know I can count on you all to be here for Bishop Scanlan’s visitation. And speaking about “getting around to it”, the Genesis book study begins Monday evening at 7:00. If you would like to attend, please be sure to send me a note so I can get you on the zoom list.

The Presiding Bishop’s Visit

See all about Bishop Sean’s visit and register for events at https://diosusquehanna.org/. The dinner with him does have a cost, but I think the rest of the events are free. And they’re nearby for us (Allentown and Breinigsville). It will be wonderful to have him “home” again!

Bishop Scanlan’s Visitation

Bishop Audrey Scanlan will make her first visit to St. Margaret’s on October 11. She will celebrate the Sunday morning Eucharist with us. This is the perfect opportunity for any of us who would like to reaffirm our baptismal
promises. Many of us were first baptized as littles so it’s splendid to be able to stand up and strengthen the promises that undergird the practice of our faith. If you are interested, please let me know.

After the service, we will celebrate in the St. Margaret’s tradition, with a great coffee hour (volunteers needed!). I’ve already promised her sourdough bread. Naturally, the pipers will be with us!

On a more somber note, please see Dan Cardinale’s calling hours and funeral on September 20, and the funeral of Kathy’s sister, Nancy Gillies, on September 25. May they rejoice in the Light of Christ, and may the Comforter be with their families and all those mourning their passing.

Prayers for all of you!
Mo. Laura+

P.S. Mum orders arrive at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday (September 22).