A picnic and a hike

Hello from the Vicar

Last Sunday we celebrated the Eucharist for the first time on our new property. We gathered near the tall trees, smelling the cut grass, listening to the birds, and feeling the fresh air on our faces. Music from guitars and violin floated out across the meadow as we lifted our voices in song. What a beautiful day in God's creation!

Afterward, we gathered for the annual picnic and enjoyed good food and good company. I was especially pleased that some of our neighbors joined us. It was fun to see the little kids running around with each other while people of all ages enjoyed each other's company.

There's a tradition that says that a new place is consecrated by its use, and so we began the consecration of our new property on Sunday. Many years from now we'll look back and remember this day.

You can see photos of our picnic by clicking here.

This week I joined Tony's Trekkers on their hike in the North Cascades. Tony's Trekkers is St. Antony's hiking group ('Tony' is short for 'Antony'), but you don't have to be a member of St. Antony's to participate. The Trekkers are a band of intrepid hikers who venture out at least once a month on hikes in our area.

We were hosted by Rick and Robin Schoenberg at their cabin on the North Skagit River near Sedro Wooley. They provided us a comfortable base camp while we took hikes in the North Cascades near the cabin. What beautiful country, and what great company!

You can see my photo journal by clicking here.

Picnics and hikes are classic summer activities, but summer's coming to a close. Soon kids will be back in school, and we'll be starting our fall schedule. Sunday School starts up Sunday, September 8!  I hope you've been able to enjoy God's creation in the beautiful weather we've had this summer.

Bill