Today’s service at St Bede’s was nearly standing room only, with plenty of people gathered together to celebrate. The music was from the Songs of Praise book, and a bit of a jazz/folk jam session broke out after the end of the service. Afterwards, there was a delicious brunch served by members of St Bede’s.

The Rev. Jim Steen, Director of Ministries for the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, spoke briefly during the announcements to greet the congregation and read a letter from the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey D Lee, Bishop of Chicago. Father Dru read the Gospel for the day and gave the sermon, a scholarly explanation of the text:

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” — The Lectionary Page: 5th Sunday of Easter

After the service, but before the dismissal, Father Manny also responded to the Gospel by talking about the new growth he saw in his own backyard.

It is on the people of St Bede’s and St Nicholas, as we prepare to combine our communities, to bear much fruit and become disciples of Christ.

Photo credit: Ginny Gibbs, taken at Summers Winery, near Calistoga CA in the Napa Valley.