St. Stephen’s Hosts Parish-wide Rock Point Visit in Response to Partnership Campaign
Worshipers Connect, Re-Connect with Historic Natural Sanctuary
By Amy Hastings
MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT – Seeking to be responsive to the Parish Partnership Campaign for Rock Point, the Vestry of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church decided that a parish-wide visit to Rock Point in Burlington was an important first step. Many new members had never been to Rock Point, others had not visited in some time.
Many new members had never been to Rock Point, others had not visited in some time.
On Sunday, August 20, St. Stephen’s worshipers traveled to Rock Point for a Festive Service in St. Michael’s Chapel, a picnic following, and group and individual nature walks around the Rock Point property. A highlight of the worship was Benedicite, Rock Point, adapted in form from a service in the New Zealand Prayer Book by Meg Fitch, a former Rock Point Summer Camp director, and member of St. Stephen’s.
Graced with a sun-filled, brilliant morning and afternoon, St. Stephen’s members left rejoicing in the beauty and glory of Rock Point’s many gifts.
Benedicite, Rock Point
O give thanks to our God who is good:
whose love endures for ever.
You sun and moon, you stars of the northeast sky:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Sunrise and sunset, night and day:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Green mountains and valleys, of fieldstone and clay,
bay water and rearing cliff, summer thunder and winter snow:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
You blackberry and pine, poison ivy and daisy, Joe-pye-weed and ferns:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Minnow and pike, seaweed and bright pollen,
Water-rolled stones, Eagle Bay willow and cliff pines:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
Rabbit and chipmunk, mosquito and dog, crow and blue-jay, eagle and gull:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
You campers and counselors, bishops and ghosts, all who walk above the great fault:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
You saints and gorp-eaters of Good Old Rock Point:
give to our God your thanks and praise.
In the featured photo: Rock Point visitors from St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Middlebury, VT.