Corpus Christi and Outreach Sunday - Rectors Rambling for June 2, 2024

     Today’s Feast Day actually occurred on Thursday, and was celebrated at the 9 AM Mass.  But it is so important, and wonderful, that it is also celebrated today on Sunday.  But in actuality, it is here a sort of ‘make up’ because it is a re-celebration of the institution of the Sacrament of the Blessed Sacrament, the Body of Christ.  That event happened during Holy Week on Maundy Thursday.  But the importance of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Day overwhelms this celebration.  Now before we begin on our long season of Trinitytide, with the green vestments and hangings, we have this great celebration of the gift of Jesus’ own Body and Blood, given to us in the species of bread and wine.  As Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”  (John 6:53-54)  And so we do!

Today we also welcome our guests from the various organizations that we are supporting this year through our Outreach Committee.  When the Vestry was praying about entering into a development contract for our parking lot, it was strongly sensed that any money that we get for a lease for the land purchased in 1858 for this Church should be tithed to organizations such as these in the community.  There is a listing of the organizations in the Order of Service. Looking for a volunteer opportunity?  I am sure they would welcome your inquiry!

This week we begin our Summer Choir season, with quartets or quintets from the choir leading us in singing hymns, and offering the minor propers and anthem.  We are most grateful for the full choir’s contributions during the regular season.  And summer is a great time for the congregation to be active in participating by singing along the hymns and mass setting!  The choir isn’t here to perform for us, but to lead us and assist us in worship.  We are to participate by singing as well!

On a personal note - God willing my daughter Meg graduates from high school this week, and plans to attend the University of Wisconsin in the fall .  We are excited for her and grateful to Almighty God for this opportunity.