September, 2002 In This Issue: The Rector's Rant: A Historical and Theological Reflection on These Economic Times Top 10 Reasons to be an Episcopalian Homecoming Defined New Curricula in Our Sunday School Classes September 11th Anniversary Gathering "Benedictine Experience" Adult Christian Education Why We Bless the Animals

by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy

Webster's Dictionary defines "home" as "the place where one lives" or "a place thought of as home or as a place of origin." Most interestingly, a secondary definition is "at ease" as in to be "at home."

To "come" has many definitions, the most intriguing being, "to arrive or appear," or "to be available" (it comes in all sizes!) and "to recover consciousness" (she came to!).

Homecoming Sunday means all these things. It is a time of recovering a consciousness of this place where we find our life. It is being at ease with each other, and being available to one another in this place in which we have found a new beginning. For those who have been away, it is a time to "appear" again. This year, we are pleased to announce two special guests for Homecoming Sunday. Our preacher at both the 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. service will be The Rev. Canon Malcolm Boyd. Malcolm was Writer/Priest-in-Residence here at St. A's for some 15 years. Noted author, lecturer, poet, social activist and thinker, Malcolm brings with him a wealth of wisdom and relationship. St. A's will always be Malcolm's home and we are pleased to welcome a "son of St. A's" to his "at ease" place.

Entertainment for our brunch will be provided by Adam Ho the Street Performer. Adam, who is now 13 years old, won first prize at the 1997 musical contest of the Performing Arts Center, received the "Outstanding Musician of the Year" award from the Eagle Award of Excellence in 2000 for a commercial done for the Library of Congress and received the maximum score, winning first prize, on the "Gong Show" at CBS, Hollywood. Our young people will especially enjoy Adam's youth and energy.

The Brunch, coordinated by Jennifer Wagner, is an assigned potluck menu of lox and bagels, salads and fruits which will be enjoyed on the patio between 10 and 11.

Sunday School registration will also be held that day and the new fall term beginning the following Sunday, September 15th.

Plan to arrive at the place that is your spiritual home on Sunday, September 8th for the Homecoming Sunday Celebration. A good time will be had by all.

Copyright © 2002 St. Augustine by-the-Sea