Vestry Notes
Vestry Notes
Vestry Notes: September 6th 2026
Welcome to the Season of Creation! Creation Season as we know it began in 1990 as a dream of our rector, Phillip Wilson. Phillip envisioned a time set aside to focus on creation and our responsibilities to her. Taken directly from Eucharistic prayer C in the BCP (Book of Common Prayer), “At your command all things came to be: the vast expanse of interstellar space, galaxies, suns, the planets in their courses, and this fragile earth, our island home.” He wanted to honor this earth and all her inhabitants and speak to our need to be good stewards of our planet. By extension, he envisioned a time to focus on being good stewards of Redeemer and all she stands for; the care of creation, full inclusion of everyone at the table, opening our doors to the least, the last and the lonely, walking in love, spreading the word, feeding the hungry and so much more. 
The hangings and vestments reflect that vision as the altar shows earth suspended in space as seen from the moon. St. Francis’ story is told in the pulpit and lectern hangings… A swallow flies above his head. One of the many stories of him tells of a time he entered a village to share the word only he could not be heard because of all the chattering of the swallows flying through the square. It is written Francis turned his eyes upward and said, “my brothers and sisters, it is my turn to be heard”. With that, the swallows all became quiet. He is shown with the wolf of Gubbio. The story is told of how the people of Gubbio lived in fear of the wolf who had been taking their livestock and could not be stopped. The villagers led St. Francis into the woods and showed him the wolf’s lair. From behind trees, they watched as Francis called out Brother Wolf and explained to him he needed to live in peace with the people of Gubbio. Francis led the wolf back into town and told the people the wolf would no longer take their livestock. In return, the people were to feed him and to show he meant it, the wolf placed his paw in Francis’ hand. It is written that from that day forward, the wolf would come to their doors and be fed. The wolf protected the town from all harm and when he died, it is said the people of Gubbio missed him very much. The many birds are from his “sermon to the birds”. One day, while out with his brothers, he stopped and looked up into the trees and told the birds how much they were loved by God; how their every need was provided and how it was their job to always sing God’s praises. When he finished, the birds took to the sky and sang. He was known for his Canticle to the Sun, “we praise God through all of creation — Brother Sun, Sister Moon and the Stars…” And so it is, the sun and the moon are present. The lamb is dressed in the same cloth as Francis is. He would rescue lambs from slaughter and take them to Sr. Clare who would make him garments from the wool.
Be sure to join us on September 20th as together, we create Redeemer anew! How exciting!!!
Colleen Hintz for the Vestry
