|
As I write this, it is May 31 , and the st deadline for articles for the July newsletter is two weeks away. You won’t read this until the end of June or the beginning of July. But, I want to capture my thoughts now. My joints still hurt after last night. It was a beautiful night, but it got really cool. Hundreds of folks just like you and me were on the field at South Kitsap High. It was the “Relay for Life” event, and Penny and I were there with several from St. Bedes. She and I were there from 5:30 PM to just after midnight. Our part of the relay was from 11 PM to midnight. We brought three pizzas, and others brought all kinds of other nourishment (of course, chocolate showed up.) The event started off with great weather. Clear skies and a nice warm temperature. Then the sun set, and all I had was a light jacket with a hood. I figured I could gut it out by working to conserve body heat. from the cold, from the walking and the slight sunburn. As I wrote above, I still hurt this afternoon. But several scenes come back to me from last night. Hundreds were gathered to remember those who died from cancer and give thanks and support for the ones, included themselves, who have survived or are surviving. There was joy, laughter, sadness and expressions of comfort shared amongst the many, many people. Last night was an act of support by thousands if not millions across the country with their time, talent and treasure. What I did that night didn’t amount to much, and I still hurt. But I don’t hurt at all like those who fought their cancer and lost or those who are survivors. Last night was part of an effort to fight a killer of young and old regardless of race or gender. Folks from all walks of life together. There were infants to old codgers. The well-to-do and the poor. But something happened that night, people prayed. It wasn’t a Billy Graham moment (not that there is anything but good in those moments with Billy.) In the midst of all the commotion, people prayed. They prayed alone, and in groups. The prayer was often of the typical variety, heads bowed and hands clasped. But the walking of the track was prayer as well. The clapping of hands and cheers in support of the survivors was prayer. How could this stuff be prayer? Because people were answering a call to help the poor, the lame, the sick and the friendless and others in the midst of the fight of their lives. They were doing the work of our Lord whether they knew it or not. And, sometimes it hurts. Blessings, Fr. Mike+
|
|
Sunday July 27th Noon to 4-pm Long Lake Park Conveniently located off Long Lake Rd SE at 5448 Long Lake Rd SE, Port Orchard (off of Sedgwick) The event will take place on the lake, beach area and children’s playground. There is an enclosed eating facility, indoor and outdoor access to restrooms, a playground with a Jungle gym and swing set, ball fields, volleyball area, swimming, games area, hiking and fishing dock. The lawn area is very large with much sun exposure as well as shaded areas for picnic blankets and chairs. Ample parking is available with handicap access to building facilities. What to bring? It’s is a potluck, so bring a dish to share, plates, utensils and condiments are provided. BBQ equipment is available as well. A couple of the guys will be bringing their BBQs too.
|
Dear Church Family, We are now in the midst of selling birthday cards for Bob Jones to benefit the Episcopal Relief and Development’s mosquito net project. They are $12 each, which includes the treated net, education and distribution. Before I write you again, we will be accepting school supplies, this will begin in the middle of July, so keep that in your hearts and prayers please. As soon as we have a school, it will be announced. There are so many projects in the summer – cereal for St. Vincent’s, food for HelpLine, Bob’s birthday, school supplies – I hate to mention anything else, but ERD is also helping those who are flooded in the mid West. If anyone feels the desire or call to help them, a donation to St. Bede’s memo line “flood victims” it will be sent to ERD asap. Blessings on you all for your generous hearts, Your Outreach Committee St. Bede Family Picnic |
|