Message from Joy Shillingsburg, Director of Outreach Ministries

No matter where you fall on the Valentine’s Day enthusiasm continuum: binging on chocolates bemoaning the commercialization of a mid February pointless holiday OR extravagantly celebrating the romantic love of your life all decked out in red for the whole world to see- I suspect we all can agree that the Feast of St. Valentine’s has lasted since the 3rd century because LOVE is at the core of this celebration. We know we are called to love ourselves, our neighbors and God’s creation in ways that go much deeper than this season’s ever present call to express our love by purchasing heart shaped everything. Rev. James Forbes reminded us last Sunday, the “Good News” is that God is Love and we are called to spread the Good News of God in the World. Similarly, Bishop Curry, in his latest book Love is the Way tells us, “God may be the source of love, but people are often the vessels.” These reflections on Love are worthy of celebration on Valentine’s Day as well. While the origin of Valentine’s day is as muddled (and raucous) as current day messaging that ties money spent to the depth of your romantic love, we can find respite from the world’s messaging about love in our work and worship at St. John’s. Express your love for self, community and God’s creation by joining our outreach opportunities found in the eNews and our Website.