Upcoming Bishop's visit - Rector's Rambling for September 23, 2018

Every three years the Bishop of the Diocese is required, by canon law, to visit this parish.  Bishop Gibbs has visited us more often than that, and we are grateful to have his support for this ministry.  His next visit is scheduled for Sunday, September 23.

All visits from the bishop are special events.  His office represents the unity of the larger church since he represents the office and ministry of the apostles themselves.  At most of his visits he administers the Sacrament of Confirmation and receives those who have come to us confirmed in other denominations with valid apostolic orders.  He will do this this year and CLASSES START AUGUST 5 to prepare for Confirmation and Reception by the Bishop.  See the insert in the Order of Service for more information and to sign up for classes.

This time the bishop’s visit will be special for two more reasons.  The first is that while he is here we will have him bless the new cornerstone of the ministry center (previously known as the ugly 1971 office building).  Although it will not be complete (target date for completion is around Thanksgiving), the bishop will re-seal in the items from the 1971 time capsule, insert new items of interest for a 2018 time capsule, and throw some Holy Water around for good measure.

The other special thing about this visit from Bishop Gibbs is that it will be his last official visit to St. John’s.  As previously noted, he announced his retirement effective December of 2019.  Yes, that seems a long way away, but it is a long process in preparing to elect a successor, and allows Bishop Gibbs time to wrap up details and obligations of the ministry to which he was consecrated in 2000.

On September 23, we will welcome Bishop Gibbs, and will also be using that day as our fall Homecoming Sunday.  Mark your calendars now and plan on inviting your friends, neighbors, and family members to join us for beautiful worship, an outstanding potluck luncheon, and a hearty “thanks be to God” for the ministry Bishop Gibbs has had with and to us.

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Please note that next Sunday is our 10th Annual Founders’ Day.  We will be using the Liturgy from the 1789 Book of Common Prayer, which was in use when St. John’s opened her doors in 1859.  After the liturgy we will have an Ice Cream Social out in the parish garden (weather permitting).  And as we have done in years past, we encourage historic dress if you have it, and hats are always a big hit for women in and out of church, and for the men afterwards.  It is a good day to give thanks to God for the goodly heritage built for us by the faithful these 159 years.