Rector's Rambling - October 23, 2011

Welcome Home!

Homecoming Sunday began 10 years ago with the recognition that St. John’s Church has a lot of friends and visitors who join us with varying degrees of regularity. Some of these friends are people who at one time were members of the parish but moved away and joined a local parish nearer to their homes.
Although homecoming is generally associated with alumni of a high school or university, I chose this title because many people who had moved away and visited again mentioned how, after so long, it was like coming home. And although we don’t have a homecoming game or dance, a wonderful potluck luncheon is a warm welcome to friends old and new.
Would I like all of our regular and occasional visitors to come to Church here every Sunday? Yes, absolutely! (Actually, I would love to have all our regular and occasional members to come to Church every Sunday too.) But we are glad to have those who have an affiliation elsewhere come here occasionally to be edified by our worship of Almighty God, and to participate, as they are able, in the life of the parish.
Be sure to join us downstairs for the festivities after the 10:00 AM service. Lunch will be served, and there will be a bake sale and cookbook exchange. And be sure to peruse the Chronicle and inserts to see the upcoming events being offered. Daughters of the King, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, St. Catherine’s Guild of the Episcopal Church Women, Sunday School and Adult Education, and those involved in Social Fellowship outings all host various opportunities for spiritual growth, service, and fun. Whether St. John’s is your every Sunday home or not, please avail yourself of the opportunities offered here at the parish!
Recently someone who sang here in the 1960s was in town from out of state, and worshipped with us. Afterwards they said that since moving they haven’t found anyplace like St. John’s, and that it is always nice to come back. Welcome home.