Our sisters who live here at the motherhouse in Aston or in the surrounding areas have developed a wonderful relationship with the churches of other denominations in the area. For a number of years, they have been part of the Aston Ministerium and have participated in various programs and celebrations One of the most recent was the Community Thanksgiving Service held on November 19 from 5:30-7:30 P.M. The participating churches were Mt. Hope United Methodist Church, St. Timothy's Lutheran Church, Aston Presbyterian Church, and our sisters--the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. It seemed quite appropriate that we gathered in the Aston Community Center because the spirit of relationship among the four groups definitely bespoke a sense of community!
Participants and visitors made their way from table to table to see the various projects--each of which reminded visitors of the many needs and problems in today's world and the efforts underway to meet those needs, to rectify problems, and , in many cases, simply to raise awareness. One table, for example displayed a large cornucopia overflowing with canned food, cereal boxes, and other packaged food needed to feed a hungry world (see photo above).
I stopped at a table where two women were writing messages on rocks and inviting visitors to do likewise. They shared information with me about the "Kindness Rock Project" that began in Massachusetts by a woman named Megan Murphy. The idea behind the project is simply to write a message of encouragement on a rock and leave it for someone to find. The concept is simple: "sparking joy in people's everyday life."
Sr. Margaret Xavier Roman has been sharing this type of message for a number of years. She makes pillows--each personalized with the name of a person who is dealing with and illness. Each pillow carries with it the promise of prayer.
Suzanne Quinney from St. Timothy's Lutheran Church staffed a table displaying quilts made by members of her congregation. The project is just one of the congregation's many outreach programs. Suzanne showed me quilt projects of various types and sizes--all destined to help folks in need.
I also stopped by a table display of a project undertaken by members of Mt. Hope United Methodist Church. Amber Icenhar introduced me to the Shoebox Gift Project which invites people to pack a shoebox with gifts for a child--toys, hygiene items, school supplies, a photo of the donor, and a personal note. Donors can deliver the box to local drop-off locations along with a $9 donation for postage and other projects costs.
Mt. Hope United Methodist Church also chaired a second table--ideal for the many younger visitors. The mother/daughter team of Kris Leary and Kate Pehlivanov staffed a coloring and art table that the children enjoyed.
Sr. Jean Rupertus was on hand to share information about Anna's Place in Chester--one of our congregation's sponsored ministries. She had with her materials delineating the activities and programs that Anna's Place has to offer--and the numerous projects they have undertaken.
Srs. Kate O'Donnell and Patricia Platt provided an activity for all who stopped by their table--a modern day version of turning swords into plowshares. In this case, however, visitors engages in an activity that has the potential of turning "guns" into plants and birdseed. Each visitor took a mold shaped like a gun and made from potting soil and pottery clay, coated it with one or more types of bird seed, and rolled it into a ball. They were advised to allow it to set for 24-48 hours and then to toss it into the grass. In theory it will grow into a small plant. Kate and Pat also distributed paper crosses which contain flower seeds. They can be planted and nurtured as they grow into something beautiful!
At 6:30 we gathered for a beautiful prayer service with members of each congregation participating. Sr. Jean Ustasiewski, who our representative on the Aston Ministerium, did one of the readings. After each of the three scripture readings, a member of the various congregations gave a testimony. Sr. Jean Rupertus did the testimony in response to Sr. Jean Ustasiewski's reading. During the prayer service, the bell choir, the Bells of Hope, did a beautiful rendition of "With Heart and Hands and Voices." The Praise Bands from Mount Hope United Methodist Church and St. Timothy's Lutheran Church both performed during the prayer service as did the combined choirs from all four religious groups. A number of our sisters were in the choir. The prayer service drew to a close after a beautiful litany in which the entire congregation took part, calling on God to help us unite to speak against injustice, to work for common good, to change swords into plowshares, to share our resources, to relieve stress and to help our neighbors throughout the world meet their needs.
