Hear Ye, Hear Ye
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From the Committee

From the committee

wonderful opportunity has come to us, for a chance to show Warrensburg our true roots, our cheerful personalities & gentle ways.  Several persons evolved the idea to hold an English-style Church Fete of fair, on the vacant lot next to the parish House.  The committee of three, Anita Fischer, Cathy Welsh, and Marjorie Pierce are finding inspiration everywhere, but the time has come to put out the call to one & all: HEAR YE!  HEAR YE!

The idea is for everyone to have fun.  And fun we shall have!  To share a little bit & put things in perspective: It is an annual tradition, in England to this day to celebrate the church, each other, & invite the community to join us.  The normal Church Fair (or as we are saying, Fayre…the old spelling), is a hilarious mixture of the old ways & the new, the tacky with the elegant, & the wacky with the wise.  Across the world, in all countries the Anglican Communion share their own ways of "Celebrating the Summer Season" with their community.  Usually held near the Feast of St. John/Midsummer's Day, (June 24th), it ties everyone into their shared past.

Some of these celebrations have their roots far back into Celtic Christianity, when the “old ways” of hearth and harvest were celebrated in every holy way possible to ensure the health of land, crops, livestock, and the families who depended upon them for their very life. All was considered Holy – God was in every act, action, and result.

So in that tradition, we propose that we step out in merry measure, thankful for each treasure, including each other.

Traditionally, we will have a Summer King and a Summer Queen to rule over the Day, and to crown a young Queen of the Fayre. These two must be an “older couple” to signify the wisdom of the parish. Of course, a Retinue is needed! The call is now going out to all Mums and Children – ladies of the Court, the flock of Summer Birds, Fairies & Elves. Please come and Dress Up (help will be provided in the costume/ideas).

Our Anglican tradition goes back to Henry VIII & his schism with the Catholic Church. Therefore, in Renaissance style, any & all ideas/characters/etc will be cheerfully welcomed. There will be booths for wares, entertainments, games & demonstrations. What are your hobbies and skills? Do you love to dance, “act about,” juggle, tumble? Do you make fantastic jams or pies or such? Do you knit or crochet or quilt? Let us show each other and God's World the exquisite beauty of our minds, bodies and beings! We will end our Day with Evensong for All.

To close, let me share a moment I spent “on the Mead” (the old word for Meadow). I was walking the ground, “dowsing” for an energy spot where we could perhaps put a small circle of stones – a little Holy Meditative Spot. There isn’t one, but as I paced out the field I saw that it is covered in tiny, sky-blue Speedwell flowers. I trod carefully so as not to disturb them or their “fairies” (nature energy). Finishing, I realized that in the olden days that would have been called “Mary’s Mantle” – the carpet of blue like the Virgin’s Cloak. It seemed as if the Holy Spirit and the Mothering part of God were showing me/us that this is a welcome endeavor, & that any spot can be blessed. As if the Earth/Mead was saying, “Yes, yes! We are an extension of the Holy Land of the Church – use us, we welcome you!”

To some that is fanciful – so fancy what you will, & come and celebrate the “Summer a-Comin’ In!”

Anita, Cathy and Marjorie