This was how we all felt as Sunday’s service ended: full of joy, and not a little relief that we had managed to pull off such an important event as the visit of the Presiding Bishop to a small, suburban parish such as St Nick’s.

This was how the crucifers and torchbearers looked going in:

As you can see, a little tense. But soon we all relaxed and enjoyed the service, which included plenty of music, the baptism of two wee little babies, and a great sermon by Bishop Katharine that took us all with her to on a recent trip to North Korea by way of illustrating the Gospel and other readings.

The images from her description of her trip with other Anglican dignitaries to deliver some charity gifts will remain with us for a long time; she noted how the tourist road was well paved, but the roads the North Korean people traveled were dirt. It was cold, cold, cold, and she hiked up a mountain called “Diamond” in a tourist area of the peninsula to see a famous old temple.

More recently, she was out for a very early morning run just before dawn near Norfolk, VA (as a former, non-elite runner, I can almost relate – barely). She experienced God in the clear mountain air as sharp and cold as diamonds in North Korea, and in the lonely darkness before dawn in the smaller mountains of Virginia, with the East striped with a band of red that faded after only a few moments. She was preaching about mountains to people that live in the flatlands, but as a former mountain girl myself, I believe she was talking about their power to transfigure us and the way we see the world. And then how we’re charged with getting out into the world and climbing a few mountains ourselves, and overcoming obstacles.

Presentation of flowers and a banner they made from the children of St Nick’s

Presentation of an empty case! It will contain a DVD of a roundtable discussion from our LGTB Spirituality group. It was Bishop Katharine’s response to this presentation which was quoted in the Chicago Tribune.

Katie Black and her mother Audrey Cannon present Bishop Katharine with a St Nicholas icon, signed by all of us.

Tim Black and Marty O’Rourke get ready to present Bishop Katharine with a hard hat from the Building and Grounds Committee. It was supposed to be symbolic of our hoped-for expansion project, but they also think she could find other uses for it.

And she wore it. I think Tim just saluted – former Navy man that he is.

The younger parishioners take their responsibilities seriously when they bring the gifts to the altar.

Bringing just one can of beans helps a hungry family, even if it’s too big to hold.

The gifts of food for our pantry.

Choirmistress Mary Gomez Fletcher threatens the choir with death if we blow the entry directs the choir.

Cowed into submission, the choir performs “All Good Gifts” by Natalie Sleeth.
I’m the big red one in the middle of the second row. At least my part is straight.

The gifts of God, for the people of God.

There were many gifts and blessings; food for the pantry, two prayer blankets, icons, several donations in Katharine’s name to various MDG charities, a DVD from our LGTB Spirituality group, a St Nicholas ornament and icon for Katharine, and the greatest gift and blessing of all: sharing the Eucharist with her and with each other.

There were a LOT of people there from neighboring Episcopal churches and we saw many old friends and familiar faces. And afterwards, there was time to greet Katherine, visit with her husband Richard, and eat lots of cake.

Bishop Katharine and her husband Richard, no doubt longing for cake (and coffee), wait to greet parishioners and visitors. Father Steve, in the middle on the right, may be trying to fit one more thing into the tight schedule.

Detail of the back of Katharine’s chausuble – I took this photo, having been released from choir jail duties.

The Rev. Alex Seabrook of St John the Evangelist, Lockport IL, has a heart-to-heart with Katharine. He was also quoted in the Chicago Tribune: “I’ve seen the church of the past,” he said. “The whole service today was the church of the future.” Mary looks on.
(I took this one, too)

Wait… is this another press release? Father Steve had me send out dozens, in 5 different waves touching on different themes. Is this his way of alerting bakery workers to ++Katherine’s visit?

All photos are by David Gibbs except as noted.

Several blogs and news sites referenced this event or helped us get the word out, including The Lead, the Mad Priest’s blog, BeliefNet, and Episcope. See also our group page on Facebook!

[tags]Katharine Jefferts Schori, Episcopal, Bishop, St Nicholas[/tags]