Sunday worship marked the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, who died in 1226. Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and and the task of preaching “using words if necessary.” Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God’s creation.

In worship on Sunday, we welcomed to Bethlehem Father Michael Calabria, a Franciscan friar, to proclaim the word. Fr. Michael is a longtime friend and teaching colleague of Pastor Amy and is Director of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Franciscan Institution, St. Bonaventure University, where he is Professor of Arab and Islamic Studies. Reflecting on the gospel reading from Matthew 11:25-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest,” Father Micheal’s sermon provided a powerful reminder of what it means to lay aside our burdens and follow the way of Christ.

On the Feast of Saint Francis, we remember that praise and thanksgiving for all God gives us takes many and various forms! Sunday worship celebrated some of the many ways God’s good creation raise our Hallelujahs!