Shamrock - June 2026
Breaking bread
Two issues ago (back in January) I mentioned how losing our church sign in a windstorm had led to plans for a replacement. The process has now worked its way through, and the new sign now stands in its new spot, on the church parking lot itself. I have to say that I have rarely been part of a church improvement that everyone actually really likes! Most of the time there are quibbles or disagreements, but in this case, I have heard none. Word has filtered back from members of the community also. People driving past St Patrick’s find that it is much more visible, and comment positively on how attractive it is. I’d like to thank Junior Warden Peter Robinson in particular for overseeing the project. It has come out well.
We had assumed that the new location would be too far from the church to allow an electrical hookup. However, Peter discovered a conduit that was miraculously already in place, so the new sign can be illuminated at night as well. There is also fresh dirt in place in the supporting structure, that can be turned into a garden. Evidently, it was meant to be.
What I like most myself is the scripture quotation we added the sign, as a kind of motto for St Patrick’s: John 13:34, “Love one another just as I have loved you.” This calls us back to our primary Christian vocation of imitating Christ, and being the living presence of Christ in our world.
This theme gives us a way to orient ourselves as our nation arrives at its 250th birthday. Everyone realizes that there is a great deal of discord and division in our public life just now. This is disheartening. However, if our hearts and spirits are centered on Christ and the message of love, we Christians have a lot to offer in such a season. It says right on our money: In God we Trust. If this is so, then the reminder to love our neighbors is a way of expressing that trust. Perhaps our special contribution can simply be to show the world what a community founded on principles of mutual respect looks like. If we just do what our new sign calls on us to do, we can’t help but be good citizens too.
And in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s now summertime! Green and growing things are everywhere. One of my summertime activities will once again be helping with the sailing program at Camp Marshall. In addition to being a pleasant way to spend a few hours each week, I truly believe that helping young people experience the joys of wind and water opens them to the Holy Spirit. At least that is my prayer. Whatever activities you have in mind for the warm season, may it also be a renewed opening to the infinite love of God.
Yours faithfully
(Rev) Donnel O’Flynn
Two issues ago (back in January) I mentioned how losing our church sign in a windstorm had led to plans for a replacement. The process has now worked its way through, and the new sign now stands in its new spot, on the church parking lot itself. I have to say that I have rarely been part of a church improvement that everyone actually really likes! Most of the time there are quibbles or disagreements, but in this case, I have heard none. Word has filtered back from members of the community also. People driving past St Patrick’s find that it is much more visible, and comment positively on how attractive it is. I’d like to thank Junior Warden Peter Robinson in particular for overseeing the project. It has come out well.
We had assumed that the new location would be too far from the church to allow an electrical hookup. However, Peter discovered a conduit that was miraculously already in place, so the new sign can be illuminated at night as well. There is also fresh dirt in place in the supporting structure, that can be turned into a garden. Evidently, it was meant to be.
What I like most myself is the scripture quotation we added the sign, as a kind of motto for St Patrick’s: John 13:34, “Love one another just as I have loved you.” This calls us back to our primary Christian vocation of imitating Christ, and being the living presence of Christ in our world.
This theme gives us a way to orient ourselves as our nation arrives at its 250th birthday. Everyone realizes that there is a great deal of discord and division in our public life just now. This is disheartening. However, if our hearts and spirits are centered on Christ and the message of love, we Christians have a lot to offer in such a season. It says right on our money: In God we Trust. If this is so, then the reminder to love our neighbors is a way of expressing that trust. Perhaps our special contribution can simply be to show the world what a community founded on principles of mutual respect looks like. If we just do what our new sign calls on us to do, we can’t help but be good citizens too.
And in case you hadn’t noticed, it’s now summertime! Green and growing things are everywhere. One of my summertime activities will once again be helping with the sailing program at Camp Marshall. In addition to being a pleasant way to spend a few hours each week, I truly believe that helping young people experience the joys of wind and water opens them to the Holy Spirit. At least that is my prayer. Whatever activities you have in mind for the warm season, may it also be a renewed opening to the infinite love of God.
Yours faithfully
(Rev) Donnel O’Flynn