Rector's Rambling - Homecoming Sunday 2012

This special day at St. John’s was instituted in my first year, 2001, as an opportunity for the many people who see St. John’s as a second home, together with those who consider this their regular parish home, to come together on an occasion other than Christmas and Easter.  We have lots of friends of the parish who are involved in worship in other parishes, but join us for these special occasions and other Sundays or Feast days throughout the year.  Some are former members moved away and returning to see old friends.  Others come wanting a dose of traditional 1928 Prayer Book worship and to experience our world-class Anglican musical heritage.  Some visit regularly because they like the people here, and others because it is a convenient place to worship prior to events downtown later in the day (Lions, Tigers, Fox Theatre, DSO, etc.).  Whatever the reason, we are glad to have people worship with us.  And of course, a reminder that all the “regular visitors” are most welcome to become “regular parishioners” as well!

St. John’s is a unique place in the Diocese of Michigan.  The traditional faith of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, the 1940 Hymnal and professional choir, the preaching, a beautiful historic building, and amazing parishioners coming from as far away as Algonac, Ann Arbor, and South Lyon combine to make it like no other.  As we approach the 154th anniversary of St. John’s’ founding she continues to face challenges, as do so many other parishes.  Being a history buff I have read through our 50th, 80th, and 100th anniversary books, and volumes of Vestry minutes and Weekly Chronicles going back over 100 years.  Again and again throughout our history the cry goes up: can this obstacle or that obstacle be overcome?  But by God’s grace, and the joyful and dedicated devotion of the people of St. John’s, provision has been made and God glorified.  I thank God for your part in God’s provision!