| PARISH PUBLICITY and PHOTOS The Patronal Festival is celebrated each year in June at St. Alban the Martyr. At this time we reflect on our patron saint and celebrate God’s grace and blessings on our Church. We wish everyone a blessed summer as we all go off on vacations and other special events during the months of July and August. It was truly a blessing when Bishop Barbara C. Harris accepted our invitation to celebrate Patronal Festival with us. The visit was two-fold: to share with us her thoughts and prayers and, to commemorate her consecration as the first female Bishop of the Anglican Communion by blessing the first stained glass window installed in her honor. Giving more meaning to the day Bishop Harris also blessed an adjoining window dedicated to Absalom Jones, the first Black Episcopal Priest in America. WHAT AN HONOR! Both windows were a gift from Mrs. Elaine Espeut and family in memory of her daughter who passed away. Bishop Harris’ homily addressed our perception that we, as members of the Church, are living in unique times. She reminded us that the issues and challenges that the Church is trying to come to grips with today are the challenges we have been facing for years. She asked us to examine these in the context of our faith: How we come to the table as Christians to view and discuss these issues and, are we open in our hearts and minds to diverse viewpoints. As part of our tradition, a reception followed in the Parish Hall whereby everyone had the opportunity to meet Bishop Harris and enjoy fellowship with one another. As we continue to work and serve the Lord we ask for his guidance with accepting change and for the blessing of Bishop Harris and Archdeacon Young who provided us with this meaningful experience.
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