Welcome Back!

I remember watching a show called “Welcome Back, Kotter” (which starred a very young John Travolta).  As a child, I didn’t understand the premise of the show - an alum of the high school returns to his roots to teach a group of challenging students.  I did like the theme song (welcome back, welcome back, welcome back), but I didn’t understand how it had anything to do with the show itself as it didn’t seem anybody went anywhere.  The antics of Vinnie, Horshack, Boom Boom and Epstein were amusing, but nothing I would be caught doing in a classroom (as I had a desire to live). 

The romanticized ideal of a person returning home as an honored son or daughter is a bit troubling for Christians because we see it didn’t work for Jesus (see Mark 6).  He was unable to do any deeds of power because no one would believe he could have the power, let alone be the Messiah. 

It worked for Mr. Kotter because those kids didn’t know who he was, nor did they care, at least at first.  By showing that he cared for them as a group and as individuals, Mr. Kotter was able to connect with them when others (like the principle) wanted to write them off as lost causes.

All of this is to build up to our “Welcome Back Sunday” on September 13th.  We will be having a picnic after the 10:30 service and hope you will join us, especially if coming to church has slipped from your routine over the summer.

I doubt anyone will sing the theme song from “Welcome Back, Kotter,” but it is absolutely true that we miss you when you are not here.  Even more, we want to know what is happening in your lives - show our support for your accomplishments and uphold you in times of trial.  This is the important part of community, to share our lives with each other, especially when times are hard.  That is because we care for each other – something else Jesus taught us.

This program year we will be focusing on learning the Bible.  In order to be followers of God we have to know God’s Word, which is revealed to us through the Holy Scriptures.  While our liturgy has 4 readings from the Scriptures every week, Episcopalians are not known for being very “Bible literate” so let’s change that.  If you have a question about the Bible, please let me know – I am sure someone is just as curious as you are!  I would love to support a group who would like to read all the way through the Bible.  If you would like to do that, let me know. 

In the meantime, I do welcome you back to your spiritual home.  It is good to see you.

 

In Christ,


Rev. Valerie+

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