Take, eat: this is my body given for you -- and them.

One of the wonderful aspects of the Episcopal tradition is our connection to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion's historical development as the via media between Roman Catholicism and the protestant reforms that swept (and continue to change) the church. 

In my sermon of August 19, 2012, preached at Christ Church, Ottawa, Illinois, I draw on the history of the Episcopal Church and wider Anglican Communion as I preach on chapter 6 of the gospel according to John.  Every three years, in Year B of our lectionary cycle, we spend five weeks reading this chapter.  This deliberately slow pace allows for us to dig deep into the text and see what it has meant for previous generations and what it says to us today.

Because my schedule of celebrating mass, at our four Episcopal Churches in LaSalle County, has me at different locations each Sunday, I took some liberty in pulling forward a main theme from next week's lectionary, as I drew on the context of the chapter that starts with Jesus feeding 5,000 unexpected guests and ends with many of his disciples walking away because his teachings are too hard.  In the middle there is a lot of talk about bread and life, eating body and drinking blood and arguing about what it all means.

Let me know what you think.

And -- thanks, Justin for serving as videographer today!  I appreciate you help.

Giving Bread: with no condition

Here is my sermon from this morning -- why give bread to people who did not earn it, buy it or bake it? 

After, give to your local food pantry -- no matter where we live the need is great.

Keep Playing (and Praying) My Friends!

This week I came across this story and it reminded me of our parish family in Wisconsin, St. Peter's, Ripon and St. Mary's Chapel, Wautoma.  I was reminded of days boating together on Green Lake; celebrating our patronal feast day by cooking out and hanging a piñata; agape meals after the Easter Vigil; dinner club; Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper; Costa Rica mission trips; Packer games; coffee on the rectory porch and so much more (including the Wisconsin / Episcopal tradition of Happy Hour!).

Below you will find some of these "favorite" memory photos and you can read the story at: 

http://www.ecfvp.org/posts/the-church-that-plays-together-3/

I'm looking forward to building these opportunities (and memories) with the people of our churches in LaSalle County, Illinois.

What are some of your favorite ways to "be" together?

Keep playing (and praying) my friends!