Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. (John 6:11-13)
The multiplication of the loaves is often a very familiar story. Many of us probably remember hearing the story as children or reading it in a children’s story Bible. Many biblical scholar believe there is something else going on in this story beside the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish. They look at the specific language the gospel writer uses, “Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them.” This is the same language used for what Jesus does at the Last Supper, “he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them” (Mark 14:22). Interestingly, as the Johannine author does not tell the story of the institution of the Eucharist, but rather tells the story of the foot-washing, the multiplication of the loaves story may function as a Eucharist story in the Johannine tradition. It is in the Eucharist that Christ shares with us the bread that fills to such abundance that we are left with more than we had originally received. What do we choose to do with the abundance we have received? Do we make the mistake of the Israelites who attempted to hoard the holy manna that had fallen from heaven (Exodus 16:13-21), or do we go out into our communities to share it with everyone?
News & Notes
Pastoral Needs: If a pastoral need arises, please call the church office at 606-528-1659 and leave a message. Voicemail messages will automatically be forwarded to a member of the vestry who can arrange pastoral care. You may also contact the senior warden, Bruce W. Cory, by phone at 440-227-0035 or by e-mail at bwcory@gmail.com
This Sunday: We are having a service of Holy Eucharist (communion). The Rev. Terry Taylor will be presiding.
Pot Luck Sunday: This Sunday is our monthly pot luck. All are welcome!
Next Sunday: We will be having a service of Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Terry Taylor will be presiding.
Adult Forum: Each Sunday through July we continue a summer series on the Gospel of Mark.
Al-Anon Family Group: An Al-Anon Family Group will meet in St. John’s Parish Hall on Tuesdays from 7-8pm.
Wednesday Fellowship: Gather at 6pm on Wednesday evenings for a service and fellowship.
Link your Kroger Rewards Card to St. John’s Church! Re-enrollment occurs August 1-31! St. John’s receives a portion of what you spend at Kroger. The amount is distributed quarterly. Support St. John’s by linking your card to St. John’s.
St. John’s Statement of Inclusion
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY, is a proudly inclusive Christian community. All members are encouraged to participate fully in the life and leadership of the church regardless of age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic condition, physical or mental ability. We believe all people are created by God to model the diversity in unity which is the Holy Trinity and we seek to live out that diversity in unity within the faith community.