Summer is underway - Rector's Rambling for June 9, 2024

     The long summer season is now upon us and the neighborhood will be as busy as ever.  On any given Tigers home game day, the neighborhood around us is bustling, as well as for shows at the Fox Theatre and concerts at the Little Caesars Arena.  Add to that the uptick in new housing available and occupied in the neighborhood, and this area has certainly come back to life with joggers, walkers with strollers and pets, and those coming and going on their bikes.  It is a big change from 20 years ago.

Here at St. John’s, I used to say that things slowed down for the summer.  But, in fact, the busyness just changes.  Instead of Sunday School and Guilds/Organizations meeting regularly, we have summer projects and programs. 

This month we have Fathers Day on June 16 - be sure to bring dad to church or come with him to church.  We also have a free concert on Thursday, June 20 of the Singing Sergeants with the Air Force Band  On June 23 we will have the installation of a new member of the Daughters of the King, Elizabeth Savage. And on June 30th after the 10 AM Service we have the baptisms.

 In July we celebrate our nation’s birth and the next week send students and staff to the St. Michael’s Conference for Youth. On Sunday, July 14 we will have the interment of the cremated remains of  Eleanor Tuttle, the daughter of former St. John’s Rector I.C. Johnson (1934 to 1962).  Ms. Tuttle died on the west coast in 2021, and the family is gathering with us that day to lay her to rest.  At the end  of the month we will have a day in celebration of our founders.  Regular Sunday worship continues throughout the summer, as well as weekday Communion and Evening Prayer.  Check the weekly calendar online for any changes or glitches.

Summer is a time for travel and recreation.  As always, I implore you to take the opportunity to visit a church or two if you are away on holiday, and be sure to bring back a worship bulletin or other information about the church so we can see what others are doing in Jesus’ name.

But if Sunday morning finds you in the area, then I hope that you will make the effort to come down to Church to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.  Although the choir is only at quartet strength, the music is still wonderful, the Gospel powerful, the Sacrament Grace-filled, and the fellowship welcoming.  And if your schedule encroaches on your Sunday morning remember we also have a 5:30 PM Sunday Service as well.

And I hope that while home, or while traveling, you will keep current on your pledge to the parish.  Although the parish income is never considered “straight line”, expecting the same amount each week, the bills expect to be paid regularly throughout the summer months.  In addition to dropping it in the collection plate on Sunday, if you are away, you can always put a stamp on your giving envelope and drop it in any mailbox.