Sunday June 14th was a great day in the life of our parish.  We had just one celebration of the Eucharist, at 10 AM, on the site where we hope to begin construction of our new church within the next few weeks.  The mass was wonderful- lots of people, great participation, music, and a loving spirit.  I got a very good dose of summer sunshine on my noggin, as well!  I still need to remember that I have to put sunscreen on my head… not quite used to being bald yet.

Afterward, we enjoyed a wonderful potluck and great coffee hour – thanks to Theresa and Liz for coordination and to all who brought delicious food! Our bishop joined us at Noon and we went back out to site of our future church and blessed the ground, prayed, and took ceremonial shovels-full of dirt out of the earth on the site near where the altar will be placed.  Those who scooped out a shovelful of dirt included our bishop, as Rector of this parish and leader of the diocese, Bob Roe, our Senior Warden, on behalf of all parishioners.  Richard Stephan , as the most veteran of veteran members of the parish (his 83^rd anniversary of baptism here at St. Mary’s is coming up this October), and the Kirkpatrick family – Mark, Lisa, Will, Alec and Aidan are our newest family members – joining us just two months ago.  John Spanton and Dave Riedel made the Greek Letter “chi” – symbolic of the cross of Christ and the first letter of the word “Christ” in Greek – with cords of rope.  Audrey Mayes, on behalf of all who have provided leadership and given so generously to the project, enclosed the area with a cord of rope.  It was a beautiful prayer time complete with music including the song, “Holy Ground” – a beautiful composition reminding us that we stand on “holy ground”, in the presence of God, wherever we may find ourselves.  Seminarian Patrick Edwards is to be profusely thanked for coordinating the service, creating the worship booklets, and keeping us all on task.  A civic ceremony marked by the presence of representatives from various entities who will be working on the project with us will take place in coming weeks. 

Several parish members and guests offered me congratulations on that Sunday.  I appreciate that very much.   However, congratulations are not mine alone to receive.  Congratulations are rightfully due to the people of this parish.  Members of St. Mary’s are aware of all of who have gone before and have helped lay the foundation for this day.  This time of new beginning, this leap of faith, is due to the response of this parish to the call of Christ to practice radical hospitality and welcome all people who are searching  for a place to call “home”.  This is the dream and vision of St. Mary’s and that comes from the people who make up the Body of Christ here on this corner.  That is Christ’s gift to us. Our gift to Christ is our response to His call.  So in turn I say to the members of St. Mary’s, “Congratulations!”