Dear Friends,

This past Saturday, I had the privilege of presiding at a family wedding. Allison, my niece, and Bill, her husband, were surrounded by family and friends as they made their vows at a beautiful spot in the Hudson Valley. Like many weddings, it was an occasion for family members to gather, and to meet members of another family with whom we will now be connected. There was, inevitably, much laughter, much love, and much joy.

We are not gathering for a wedding this Sunday at church, but these first Sundays in September also have aspects of a reunion. Many of us are returning to more regular schedules, and there is always delight in seeing both familiar faces and meeting new folks who are visiting St. John’s for the first time.

This is a gathering time. Just consider the many ways you can greet friends old and new in the week to come (and you can learn more about these elsewhere in this News and Notes)

Welcome Back Cookout in the Garden – Thursday, September 12th, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

First Choir Rehearsal of the Season – Thursday September 12th, 7:30 pm

First Children’s Choir Rehearsal – Sunday, September 15th at 9:30 am

First Full Day of Godly Play – Sunday September 15 at 10 am

Ministry Forum – Sunday, September 15th, after Coffee Hour, upstairs in the Parish House

Of course, most importantly, there will be the gathering that occurs Sunday after Sunday, as we join together our hearts, our minds, and our voices, praising God and encountering Christ’s presence in the bread and wine and the Word proclaimed.  After my own time away, I cannot wait to see you all. And I can assure you, that in all these gatherings, like at any wonderful wedding,  there will be much laughter, much love, and much joy.

Faithfully,

Tom