WEEKLY REFLECTION I September 6, 2026 – Proper 18A

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1 Peter 4:10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

I once took a tour of an Episcopal cathedral and saw a lovely little icon in one of the chapels. Obviously, it was a location where people liked to spend quiet prayer time, because there were numerous candles burning in a stand. When I asked my guide about it, he told me it had been given to the cathedral by a new Eastern Orthodox church plant, which was allowed to meet at the cathedral till it could build its own church. I hadn’t remembered that in
years. But it has come back to mind over the last few days.

For over a year now, St. Margaret’s has been sharing space with Iglesia Luz de Esperanza. And this Spanish-language Seventh Day Adventist church, has been donating regularly to St. Margaret’s. Naturally, there have been bumps here and there as we work around each others’ schedules, practices and needs, but it has been a good relationship—at least from our point of view. In addition to their Saturday service and fellowship time, they are now running a Pathfinders group on Friday evening. It’s their version of Christian Scouting, and a great way to get the young people involved in church. When we need the space on Friday nights, the kids go on hikes or other activities.

Later in September, we will be taking some next steps together: the Iglesia Luz de Esperanza and St. Margaret’s will be co-sponsoring English as a Second Language (ESL) classes on Saturday afternoons from 3:00-5:00. Their leadership have invited us to volunteer: as teachers, helpers or to provide light refreshments. We will also be helping with the PR. We’ll share flyers as soon as they are completed. There is no cost for the classes and materials cost $20. Please let me know if you are interested in participating. It’s September. Any retired teachers feeling homesick?

Why was I reminded of that little cathedral icon? Of sharing space with Iglesia Luz de Esperanza? And, for that matter, any number of Episcopal churches or churches of other denominations, sharing space with each other? Jesus never told us that churches should keep to themselves. Jesus told us repeatedly that we are to love each other, support each other, help bear each others’ burdens, reach out to each other. I can only imagine that he is
delighted when he sees churches sharing with each other. We may have different doctrines, different assumptions, different worship styles, but as long as we are followers of Jesus, and love and respect our other brothers and sisters, we build up the greater Church, for whom Jesus gave his life.

I am so excited! And encouraged!
Mo. Laura+