Rev. Linda Easter

Dear St. Timothy Folks,

Here we are in August.  For our young members, those who have children or grandchildren, and those who are teachers or school employees, it’s time for back to school and back to college.  Sunday, August 4th, we will have the annual blessing of the backpacks, and special prayers for our students, teachers and other school personnel.  It is a time when we focus on the importance of learning and growing personally and intellectually.  It is also a way we let those members, young and old, know that we pray for them, and wish them success in their school life for the coming year.  And that we love and support them, especially our young people.  We value their presence in our midst.  As a sign of this, our young members will be taking on extra roles in the service.

But it can also be a reminder that we are learners, disciples, all our lives, as we continually learn more about God and God’s Kingdom, and what it means to follow and emulate Christ.  This year we spend the entire month hearing portions of the sixth chapter of the Gospel according to John, which focuses on Jesus’ teaching on the bread of life.  Just as we need physical bread or food for life for our physical bodies, we need Jesus, the living bread, to nourish us spiritually.  

One of the most human activities is to eat together.  For the Jewish people, the sharing of the Passover meal is central to their faith.  For Episcopalians and many other Christians, the sharing of Communion, the Eucharist, is central to our faith.  We come together to share the bread and wine, the Body and Blood of Christ, in community.  

But we also share other meals together as a way of strengthening our bonds as a part of the family of God.  So the First Sunday Brunch, and Wednesday Night Dinners, and monthly Ramblers luncheon, and the Parish Picnic and the Holiday Meal are part of our formation, learning, and growth as followers of Christ.  Jesus did a lot of eating with other people, so it seems important to follow that pattern.  As we gather and share and get to know one another better, we grow in knowing how to love and serve one another.

So join the party – come join us at God’s table, and join us at the other tables too.

Blessings,

Rev. Linda +

Previous Letters