When I was a teenager, there was nothing better than summer break. Warm weather, time with friends…but nothing was as good as ZERO HOMEWORK!
Now, I realize what I am about to ask is somewhat of a betrayal to my younger self, but I am going to assign St. Stephen’s some homework over these summer!
If you happen to be traveling this summer, I would invite you to stop by a church. Of course, a fellow Episcopal Church would be preferred, but I hope you will all make a point of visiting another church as you travel.
Why?
Well, for two reasons!
The first is to experience worship in another setting. Be sure to notice how the church worships. Are they formal? Relaxed? Do they wear name tags? How do you feel as a guest—noticed? Ignored? Celebrated? Are there elements that you think might work well if incorporated back home at St. Stephens? Similarly, the second reason is to see what kind of activities and ministries these churches engage in. There are a lot of great ideas on how to make Church personally welcoming, spiritually relevant, and aesthetically meaningful, and I hope you will share intriguing ideas back with our staff and vestry.
Now…I feel guilty about assigning homework over summer, so the last part is to also treat yourself to some ice cream or something sweet.
Clergy orders!
