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Message from the Rector
By The Rev. Dr. Vincent Joseph Kopp
Dear Good People of St. Stephen’s,
We are created to live and thrive "in community." In community we find and define ourselves. In Christian community, especially, we share and live into the example Christ set for us as we strive to dwell “on earth as in heaven.”
What I saw, heard, felt, and experienced this past Saturday at the Oxford Hot Sauce Festival convinced me St. Stephen’s parishioners understand the meaning of community. The teamwork, energy, and focus everyone displayed evidenced how service to the community is a core value stoked by love of God and of neighbor as ourselves.
By selling hotdogs, curly fries, and cold drinks, funds were raised for continuation of our outreach ministries. By working cooperatively, seamlessly, and tirelessly -- even though everyone got tired -- parishioners sustained each other's best efforts. By welcoming all kinds of people, being patient and efficient, and by providing a respite place for festival-weary visitors, evangelism with a “little e” took place throughout the day.
Not a few people looked inside the church. Many marveled at the outside and the grounds. Others just enjoyed a place to sit in communion in the shade. I'm sure a few noticed how hard parishioners were working to keep up with long lines of hungry folk.
In each case, visitors saw the Good People of St. Stephen’s opening their church and themselves to friends and strangers, whether from Oxford and elsewhere.
It was truly a holy way on a holy day to share with others the meaning of holy ground. Thank you everyone for doing your part in God's name.
Let us pray:
3. For the Human Family (BCP, p. 815)
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Christ,
Vincent+
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