08/17/2026
Yesterday, we were blessed with a meaningful Annual Picnic Sunday at the Seneca Park Zoo campus at Longhouse Park, with about 50 people gathering for worship, food, fellowship, games, and joyful time with family and friends. We began around Christ’s table with a beautiful celebration of the Holy Eucharist and reflected on Psalm 133: “How good and joyful it is when brothers and sisters live together in unity!” Our meditation reminded us that unity is not uniformity; it is God’s sacred space where all are welcomed with our diverse perspectives, cultures, experiences, and stories. When we gather, we gather for GOOD, to build one another up in love. As Jesus reminds us in the Gospel, it is not what enters a person that defiles, but what comes from the heart, therefore, our unity must produce words and actions of love, kindness, dignity, and peace. We enjoyed wonderful food and fellowship, while our young people had a great time playing games and sharing friendship. Sincere appreciation to Jerry W, Pat, Nancy T., Nancy W., Dyson, Steve, Judith, and Kathy K. for their wonderful planning, and thanks to everyone who helped with our worship and fellowship. A special word of gratitude to all the families and especially our young men and women who helped clean the picnic area and care for our shared space. May the joy we experienced continue beyond our picnic, as we live as God’s beloved community, many people, many experiences, many perspectives, yet one family in Christ. “How good and joyful it is when we live together in unity!” Thanks be to God! - Fr. Abi John.
