Our stories in scripture are of common people, just like us. During our sermon series, Bread from Heaven, we will read through the ordinary and extraordinary ways bread was central in their lives, perhaps reminding us of the wonder of bread in our lives. We’ve asked you for stories, memories, and perhaps old tales to share.
This bread story starts with apple crisp. At Washburne many many years ago I taught Cooking to sixth graders. We first made “toasty cheese yums”. Our second lesson was apple crisp. I might be the only person who remembers there were apple trees out in front of Washburne. We picked the apples and we [...]
When I was around six, my family went to visit my great grandmother. She must have been in her 80s. She didn’t see or hear very well but my mother wanted her to show my mother how she made bread. She measured up flour and added ingredients. I think my mother asked how much [...]
A story from Ralph Smith about his grandfather: My grandfather, Bishop Randall was well known and loved for many years in the city of Chicago. He not only represented the Episcopal Church but to me he represented all that was holy and sacred. I often attended church when he conducted the service and presided over communion. During those times I learned the importance of breaking bread together and the specialness of doing it with him. Each summer my family and I went to Long Lake in Phelps, Wisconsin. We would spend nearly three months in the woods where we enjoyed boating, playing baseball, eating at the lodge, and reuniting with friends.
A story from Bill Davis about the bread made by his wife Judy: Judy was a wonderful hostess. She loved to entertain small groups for dinner or cocktails and good conversation. But she was probably a better guest. Her housewarming gift any time we were invited to someone¹s home was a loaf of fresh baked bread. She made several types, but the favorites of friend and family were her pumpkin, strawberry, zucchini, and sesame seed breads.
My story about bread comes not from memories of a loving grandmother, but rather from my sister who is three years older than I am. Our father died in North Africa in 1946 right after the end of the war leaving my mother widowed with three young (6, 8, and 10 ) year old [...]
Popovers. Perhaps you remember the popovers served warm at Indian Hill or Neiman Marcus or that Jennifer Burch would bake for our youth brunch. Popovers are more than simple flour, water and egg would raise from a thin batter to crisp, warm vehicles for butter and jam. Popovers are to be served hot from the oven. Take advance preparation and I’ll add finesse to know the nuances of oven and pans, and they are part of a plan to bring a smile to your face.
The Reverend Dr. Jo Forrest's prayer given on Communion Sunday, August 18
As per all KUC youth mission trips your roommate is unknown until you arrive so there is always a bit of excitement/anxiousness around who that might be. Upon arrival at our destination hotel in Bogota roommates were revealed. John or “Long John” as he quickly became known, was my bunkmate. An introduction began earlier on the trip alleviating some of the “get to know you” and John’s gregarious personality further eased any awkwardness.
So I guess I am obsessed with bread and baking, not only on the mundane level as a job, but on many symbolic levels having to do with Spirit, purity, the hereafter, and the nourishment of not only the body but also the nourishment of the soul. Yes it is the symbol of 'The Bread of Heaven' for me and for many others. If not for you, that's fine. If I'm honest I do have somewhat of an obsessive personality, spiced with the love of drama, spectacle and art; I'm an opera singer after all. Ha!
Have you ever enjoyed a fruit sandwich? Not a tomato sandwich (which is a fruit) but a sandwich filled with actual fruit. I have. A few weeks ago when hiking across Scotland and northern England it was standard practice for the proprietor of the B&B where we had stayed the night to pack us [...]