This past Spring two members of St. Michael’s approached me about a project they had in mind. This couple had been working on the grounds around the physical plant and were wondering about all the open space located beyond the paved parking lot and the surrounding residential homes behind the parish hall. Having cleared the property line of brush and other growth, they wanted to know if it might be possible to put in a summer vegetable garden.
I took their request to the very next Vestry meeting and after discussion they approved the idea. What emerged in the discussion was the position that, as long as there were volunteers to maintain the garden, all produce would be available to anyone and everyone whether or not he or she was a member of the congregation or not.
Well, volunteers stepped forward. After tilling the soil, a real task since the location had once been part of a gravel parking lot, preparing the soil, the vegetables were planted and continued to be watered by hand.
It is such a joy to see cars pulling into the area and persons getting out to inspect the results. It is especially rewarding when persons not affiliated with St. Michael’s avail themselves to this project.
Scripture says they we are to “feed the hungry” and in one very small way St. Michael’s is fulfilling this demand. This vegetable garden is truly “Summer Manna.”
Almost every Episcopalian has had the opportunity to witness and share in the baptism of a child or adult during a Sunday morning worship service. Since Holy Baptism is most appropriate in the content of our Sunday morning Eucharistic celebration [See: New Baptismal Theology? Adult Baptism] one aspect of the Rite of Holy Baptism that is often overlooked, or is at least not emphasized, is the role of the congregation in this sacramental celebration. Read the rest of this entry » » » »