The Church is a place for many things: worship, learning, singing, belonging, and hospitality, among countless others. This last one, hospitality, was one of the fundamental values of ancient Israelite society, and so to neglect or violate it was to commit a terrible sin. This week's reading from the book of Genesis describes the sudden appearance of three strangers before the tent of Abraham and Sarah. The husband and wife immediately launch into their hosting duties. Abraham greets the visitors warmly, saying "let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Let me me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on--since you have come to your servant." Sarah and Abraham then leave their guests to their resting while they both prepare food for them.

Many of us come to church looking for a bit of refreshment. The world outside the church's walls can be hectic and exhausting, rarely giving us a respite from the constant busy-ness of work, family, and social commitments. It is important for us to take time for rest, but rest does not mean being a couch potato binge-watching Netflix. Rest is a purposeful absence of activity. In this Sunday's homily, we will reflect on the well-known story of Martha and Mary. Martha, the Gospel tells us, "was distracted by her many tasks," while Mary "sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying." When Martha chides Mary for leaving her with all the work of hosting friends for dinner, Jesus defends Mary, claiming that she "has chosen the better part."

Mary's absence of activity is not simple idleness, but being supremely present and attentive to her guest. Part of hospitality is setting aside all distractions, so that we can be present to one another. How many times have you been in a conversation in which you feel like you don't have the other person's full attention? They seem distracted and preoccupied, constantly checking their phone, or looking past your face at the door or clock in the distance. What effect has that had on you? Did it make you feel like you weren't important to them? Did you get impatient or irritated by their lack of attention? We've all been on both sides of this scenario, and so this week's readings call us out of our distractions to focus on just being present to each other and to God. The Genesis and Gospel readings invite us to leave our concerns at the church's door for an hour, so that we can be unburdened and refreshed as we begin a new week. Don't worry, your task list will still be waiting for you when you leave. You can pick it up on your way out.

Abundant blessings,

Fr. Ethan+

As part of our effort to improve the way we invite, welcome, orient and incorporate new members, we would like to invite you to take a short open-ended survey. These 6 questions are designed to solicit ideas and feedback on how to make a newcomer's first visit a positive experience. If you are a recent arrival at St. Helena's, your input is especially important.

Click on this link to take the survey. or reply to this email with your answers to the following questions:

Last week, the fourteen dioceses of Province V of the Episcopal Church hosted the first Big Provinical Gathering in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This conference featured over 60 workshops on a wide range of topics related to the Church's witness and mission. Fr. Ethan is excited to share with the parish the resources and learnings he gleaned on digital communications and getting out into our local neighborhood as we prepare for the new program year in the fall.

Now that we've passed the halfway point of 2019, we will be producing mid-year pledge statements for all parishioners. As pledge income provides the bulk of our operational budget, we would appreciate everyone checking to make sure they are current with their pledge. If you are unsure, please feel free to see Carole Partsch or Fr. Ethan. Thank you to everyone for your generous contributions to support the ministry of St. Helena's!

"Soul Kitchen" meets on Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm for a no-holds-barred discussion about faith. Topics bubble up from within the group, so we never know what's on the menu until we sit down. No topic is off limits. It could be current events, theology, Bible study, pop culture, or some provocative question that someone had always been afraid to ask. And sometimes, we just play "Stump the Priest!"

This week, we will meet at Keith and Leeann Plikuhn's home at 11026 W. 72nd St. in Indian Head Park, IL just down the road from church. We will meet there at 5:15 pm for dinner, followed by a stimulating discussion.

You can make a difference!

Our Blessing Pantry has been a great success, which we have witnessed in the need to restock it regularly with new food and other supplies. We are seeking a few volunteers to keep an eye on it and refill it with items stored on the shelves in the Anderson Room when it gets low.

And remember ... throw a jar in the car or a can in the van on Sunday and put your donated items in the basket in the back of the church. These food and supplies will be blessed at the altar during the Eucharist and then included in our stock in the Anderson Room.

This simple act of generosity reminds us that it is not enough for us to come to church to be fed. As people of faith, God calls us to pay that nourishment forward by feeding others when we go back out into the world.

Birthdays/Anniversaries

Lucelly Cardona 7/1

Carol Fox 7/7

Fred Boskovich 7/13

Robert Burke, Jr. 7/18

Kielma Mulder 7/31