"Homecoming"
September 14th, 2020
by Keli Shipley Cooper
Parish Photo from 2019 / St. Paul's Episcopal Church / Photo taken by Peter Blankman
Growing up, my favorite Bible verse was: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" -Luke 12:34 (NIV). Did I love it because it has 1234 in it? Maybe; however, I also loved it because of the sentiment. Wherever my treasures- the things I loved- those who I loved are- that is where my heart is. 
 
What do you consider to be "treasures?" 
 
What do you consider to be your "heart?" 
 
Yesterday, we celebrated Homecoming Sunday. While we did not gather at the parish house to worship next to one another nor eat cookies at the ministry fair, we did celebrate virtually. We celebrated from our homes. 
 
How would you define the word"home?"
 
Were you able to celebrate Homecoming Sunday? 
 
We mailed out ChurchAway packets (please let us know if you did not receive one and would like to) that included information about our fall programming, some fun coloring pages, and a variety of other information and letters. 
 
At St. Paul's, we refer to our church-the community-the people- as our family. While some of us are married or related in some way, we are all one another's family. 
 
When people learn that I am adopted, they often ask me if I know my "real" parents. I respond that my real parents are my mom and dad who raised me; but, I do not know my birth parents. I've always found language around families really important. Real families are the people you share your life with- your stories. Real family are not necessarily the people you are genetically-related to; but rather, they are the people who love and support you. They are the people who are interested in getting to know you for who you truly are. As a church, they are the people who see you as a beloved child of God. 
 
Who do you consider to be your family? 
 
As we enter into this new program year, we welcome you as a part of our family- our "real" family. Whether new to our community, returning after some time away, or community members for a long time, welcome home. And remember, for wherever St. Paul's treasures are- wherever St. Paul's family members are- there the heart of Christ is also. 

A prayer for this week
*From The Book of Occasional Services 2018
Holy One, our only Home,
hallowed be your name.
May your day dawn,
your will be done,
here as in heaven.
Feed us today,
and forgive us as we forgive each other.
Do not forsake us at the test,
but deliver us from evil.
For the glory, the power,
and the mercy are yours,
now and forever. Amen.

--

This week, I also invite you to listen to "Home" by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.  Pay special attention to these lyrics:
"Ah, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you
Ah, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I'm with you" 
My name is Keli Shipley Cooper and I am the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Paul's. We are excited to share stories, readings, Scripture, and practices with you all. In this time of physical distancing, we still join together through prayer and technology as we continue to be the church from at least six feet apart. 

We are glad that you are here.

If you would like to respond to or discuss any piece of this devotion, reply directly to this e-mail to connect with Keli Shipley Cooper.
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