On Sunday, July 1, SJA celebrated its annual Summer Sunday at Lake Harriet Bandshell. Each Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day a different South Minneapolis congregation hosts an ecumenical service at the bandshell and we always look forward to this glorious Sunday celebrating God’s creation. Thanks to all those who brought this beautiful service to life, all who served as ushers and all who attended (we estimated 600 people gathered together) – we couldn’t have been blessed with a more perfect day. The service was inspired by John Lennon’s “Imagine”, a reading from Albert Einstein, the Gospel reading from Luke and bottles of bubbles.

Picture the day; the Lake Harriet Bandshell, a charming open air structure, sun shining brightly, a soft cool breeze off the lake, sailboats, runners, walkers, bikers all around, and lots of friendly people enjoying everything about the day.

Come one, come all, even you Northwest birds are invited, but could you be a little more quiet!

People start arriving in all sizes, from every direction to join the SJA service themed, “We Welcome You Wherever You Are On Your Journey”. Prayer Partners Mary Havstad, Ron Joki, Julie Madden, and Mark Scannell were the presiders.

The musicians sharing their glorious sounds were Joe Chouinard, Steve Kramer, Rachael Kroog, Shannon Pierce, and Lee Vague.

Julie and Rachael started us singing with the John Lennon song, “Imagine”:

Imagine there’s no heaven. It’s easy if you try.

No hell below us, above us only sky.

Imagine all the people, living for today.

Imagine there’s no countries, it isn’t hard to do.

Nothing to kill or die for and no religion, too.

Imagine all the people living life in peace.

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will live as one.

Imagine no possessions. I wonder if you can.

No need for greed or hunger, a sisterhood of man.

Imagine all the people, sharing all the world.

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will live as one.

Mark read the gospel; Luke 9: 51-62 (text in new window). We responded with “Seek Ye First”, and Mark gave his reflection, Imagination, Compassion and Patriotism. (text in new window)

Afterwards, we rained down, not fire as in the gospel, but bubbles, yes bubbles. Everyone loved it, big or small, as it gave you a feeling of liberation. It was an awesome sight!

Rachael and her Kid Power group called all the children and told her story with her animal characters. The kids are enthralled, but also busy with their jars of bubbles.

During the offering time we sang “Shall We Gather at the River”. The free will offering goes to the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. We ended with the Lords Prayer and a rousing “America the Beautiful”.

and

Nancy Lynch says, "Joy is being a wife, Mom of fourteen, eight with varying disabilities and living at home, Grandma of thirteen, and Great Grandma of three. Serenity is listening and watching the ocean, alone, at our home on Maui. Passion is friends, photography, reading, swimming and children." Nancy can be reached at nalynch@aol.com.

What a wonderful start to a perfect day. If you have never attended, you will want to give it a try next year. I know you will enjoy it!