Founders Day and Farewell to the Alffs - Rector's Rambling for July 28, 2019

Over 160 years ago St. John’s Episcopal Church came into existence through the dream and desire of Henry Porter Baldwin to start a parish in the countryside outside Detroit.  He did so on the assumption that the city would grow to the north and not just along the river.  It may have seemed madness to those living downtown, but it was obviously prophetic as the apple orchard he purchased to raise this edifice soon found itself surrounded by housing, then commercial buildings, and now theatres and sports venues.  I am sure that Governor Baldwin, and the women and men who participated in starting this parish and participating in her ministry all these years, could not have envisioned the changes to come, just as in our own time we probably didn’t imagine the scope of the revitalization that has occurred since the announcement of the District Detroit plans just five years ago.

Today we celebrate the “goodly heritage” that is the prologue to what God is now doing here in this place now.  The ministry of the church has evolved and changed, but the faith of Jesus Christ as expressed in our Anglican formulary of Common Prayer has not changed, by God’s grace.  And by that same grace, and God willing, will continue to shape and form followers of Jesus Christ for generations to come.  May God continue to bless us as we seek to share the good news that Jesus is Lord.

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Today we bid “Godspeed” to Joe and Marge Alff, who are moving to the Chicago area to be closer to their daughter and family.  They will be missed, but I expect that as their legacy continues here, they will be a blessing to those on the other side of Lake Michigan

Parish Social Outings - Rector's Rambling for July 21, 2019

Today we have two events after Church that you can participate in, if you so desire.

The first is a revival of our Social Fellowship Outings.  After the service and a cup of coffee in the Ministry Center, folks will be heading up to the Detroit Institute of Arts to see the exhibit “Humble and Human: Impressionist Era Treasures”.  This is a free event for those who are residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties (be sure to bring your ID).  Before viewing the exhibit and the rest of the museum at your own pace, we will have lunch together in their cafeteria on the first floor of the building.  They have good food, reasonably priced.  Everyone pays for their own meal.

The second event fell into our laps, and is also free.  Through our relationship to Jack’s Place for Autism, via parishioner Rod Gillespie, we have come into 50 free tickets to today’s Tigers Game, some of which have already been vouched for.  If there are any left you are welcome to them – just ask Rod after the 10:00 AM service.

Of course, worship is our primary duty as a Church – the Body of Christ gathered together in this place.  Being equipped in Word and Sacrament in the worship and other educational opportunities is also a priority.  But the fellowship among us is also an important factor of our common life.  These outings are a way that we can spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.

Do you have an idea for an event or outing you would like to share with others?  Let Cam Walker know and he can help you to get it organized.  It should cost you nothing but your own admission – everyone who wants to be involved pays their own way.  And stay tuned for upcoming events!

"For 40 days twill rain nae mare" - Rector's Rambling for July 14, 2019

Tomorrow, July 15, is the Feast of St. Swithun.  “He was Bishop of Winchester (UK) from his consecration on 30 October 852 until his death on 2 July 863.

Swithun was initially buried out of doors, rather than in his cathedral, apparently at his own request.  William of Malmesbury recorded that the bishop left instructions that his body should be buried outside the church, ubi et pedibus praetereuntium et stillicidiis ex alto rorantibus esset obnoxious [where it might be subject to the feet of passers-by and to the raindrops pouring from on high.

In 971 it was decided to move his body to a new indoor shrine, and one theory traces the origin of the legend to a heavy shower by which, on the day of the move, the saint marked his displeasure towards those who were removing his remains.” (Wikipedia, edited)

Now each year on St. Swithun’s Day the legend is that if it rains, the second half of the summer will be rainy, if not, drought.  As an old rhyme states:

St Swithun's day if thou dost rain

For forty days it will remain

St Swithun's day if thou be fair

For forty days 'twill rain nae mare

Most years, by July 15, my lawn is quite dried out and browning, and a rain shower is hoped for to keep me from having to water the lawn the rest of the summer.

This year, with record high lake and river water levels, and a yard that is teeming with green growth everywhere, I think I will just give thanks to God for the life and ministry of St. Swithun, and leave the prayer intention for another year.

Either way, may God bless us in His provision for us.