May 24 Martha's Musings

I was unable to attend in person last week’s 11:00 am service, but I did watch it online. And I saw something that I bet none of you did. The camera was focused for a bit on our guest pianist, and since it was a sunny day and the piano is by one of our lovely stained-glass windows, the sunshine was streaming in. There, on the top of the piano, was the colorful reflection of that beautiful window. It was amazing! I noted that this window bore the name of the person for whom it was donated, and it set my little mind to think grander thoughts. Thoughts which are applicable to this particular day, Heritage Sunday at St. John’s. For it is on this special day that we, the current congregation, honor those whose labors made our church as special as it is, still to this day. Our stained-glass windows are not only lovely to look at, but they pay homage to our church forefathers, those Swedish immigrants whose efforts still bring us so much joy. It is not a fluke that a picture of St. John’s is in nearly every Christmas issue of the Williamson County Sun, as the newspaper photographer, Mr. Andy Sharp, seems to be a huge fan. While thinking about our forefathers, it did not escape my attention that this weekend also leads up to the federal holiday of Memorial Day, when we remember those brave men and women who died while fighting in the Armed Forces of our country. I imagine that some of our forefathers also are honored on that day – a day of solemn remembrance. So, this Sunday, let us remember with gratitude these special folk who lived and died before us, and from whom we have received the gift of St John’s and the gift of freedom. Which, as you know, is not free.

Blessings,
Martha Arizpe, St. John’s Prayer Team