Low Sunday

It's not the Gospel about 'doubting Thomas,' it's not the repeated alleluias, it's not 8th day of the fifty-day celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ that gives this day its popular name.  Instead, it is the level of attendance, the level of energy, and, I suppose, the amount of the Sunday offering that gives this day its name: Low Sunday.  

That said, it was still a joyful celebration, even if the ushers didn't have to put extra chairs in the aisles.  And like every Church I've ever know, the after-service coffee is an important element of the Sunday morning celebration.  Here are some pictures of the gathering in the parish hall following our 10:30 service:

                                                         These folks, Jennifer, Linda, and Eduardo, are key members of the Chirst Church Guild -- formerly the Ladies' Guild,  but now includes men.  The Guild is in charge of the church bazaar in December and other fund raising events through the year to support the ministries of Christ Church and other ministries, including the social outreach to the needy downtown at Sta. Juliana.  The Guild also provides financial assistance for seminarians to purchase books, etc. 

This is Martha Linda, who is selling homemade mango jam -- she and one other guild member spent hours here in the kitchen on Saturday preparing the jam.  Since I was offered a jar to sample, I can attest to the fact that it is excellent!

More happy people at coffee hour:

I've heard some people refer to coffee hour in the Episcopal Church as 'the eighth sacrament.'  Maybe it's true -- even on 'Low Sunday' people make an effort to get together and enjoy conversation.