There is no service today (Saturday, Aug. 1), but we will worship as usual on the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost at 8 and 10 a.m. We’ll hear about Moses feeding his grumbling people in the wilderness and Jesus Christ identifying himself as the bread of life. We’ll remember how much of the Christian experience has been lived (and in some places, is still being lived) by people who didn’t have enough to eat. And we’ll think about how we can be hungry without even realizing it.
No one will be hungry Sunday evening after the St. John’s Twentysomethings’ summer beach bonfire at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. We’ll gather at 5 p.m. for very brief worship followed by food, fellowship, fun, and (if someone brings one) Frisbee. If you haven’t signed up yet, please go to the St. John’s Young Adult Group Facebook page and let us know you’re coming or drop Brooke a line at brookegrogan@gmail.com. Kathy O’Connor and I will see you there.
As for a chance to feed some friendly adolescents, you’re in luck. Beginning this weekend, Camp Stevens hosts its annual International Odyssey. Our friends at camp are looking for volunteers to welcome two boy campers from Japan (ages 11-16) beginning next Saturday, Aug. 8 through Monday morning, Aug. 10. It’s a way for our guests to get another taste of southern California before heading home. You’ll collect your campers in Julian Saturday morning or at an Orange County bus drop-off (your choice). You can go big and take your campers to Disneyland or just hang out at home playing basketball and video games. They have their own spending money and are eager to practice English with Americans of all ages. You’d also be asked to get your guests LAX on Monday. If you’re able to say hai (Yes!), please drop a line to our own Ashley Graham-Wilcox at ashley@campstevens.org.
Yours in Christ’s love,
Fr. John
P.S. about some other recent and upcoming feedings: Our thanks to those who donated a total of 33 units of the blood of life at last week’s St. John’s blood drive. The Red Cross says you’ve helped save 99 lives. Thanks as well to the men’s and community outreach volunteers who helped organize, promote, and run the drive…God is calling you to join us at Isaiah House next Saturday, Aug. 8 for breakfast and fellowship with their residents, homeless women with ready smiles and riveting stories. St. John’s community outreach provides the food. If you can come, please let Josh Bradshaw know at cis.joshb@gmail.com. Catholic Worker’s Isaiah House is at 316 S. Cypress Ave. in Santa Ana. I’ll see you there….Be sure to sign up for the Aug. 15 fellowship dinner (djgomer@cox.net) — Beach Blanket Bingo under the summer sky — and the youth all-nighter (sjecyouthgroup@gmail.com), where we’ll be eating at– Sorry, but the location of that miraculous feeding is a secret!