St John’s men flex their muscles in the Shrove Tuesday kitchen
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The Men’s Group, which has been revived under the leadership of our seminarian Jacob Russell, took over the St John’s kitchen for the celebration of Shrove Tuesday. The Mardi Gras menu included sausages and a fruit salad, as well as freshly-cooked pancakes served with maple syrup and coffee.
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Chester Fairlie, armed only with griddle and spatula, producing the signature dish – blueberry pancake.
There was a warm reception and hearty appetite for the supper, and little sign of the steep learning curve for some of the pancake cooks.
Chris Cooper, and Jon Cook – who managed the Men’s Group catering –serving Pat O’Malley and Frank Jenks.
Attendance was good for the “Fat Tuesday” event which is symbolic of the using up of stocks of rich foods such as fat, meat, eggs and sugar in a final preparation for the more austere season of Lent. “Shrove” refers to the traditional practice of “shriving” – confession followed by absolution. The English abbot Aelfric of Eynsham wrote more than a thousand years ago of the need for confession in the week before Lent so the faithful could learn what deeds of penance they should do in order to enter Lent with an unblemished soul.
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A convivial crowd in the church hall, and some Mardi Gras spirit – Joyce Butler behind the mask.
The Men’s Group was revived after a number of requests from parishioners and has been meeting regularly since December. Jacob says the regular gatherings “provide a forum for men at St John’s to reflect on challenging issues that emerge from world events or in their own lives in a theological context.” The last meeting discussed some of the questions arising from the end of life.
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Jacob Hale says the Men’s Group is “an opportunity for fellowship, formation and service.”
Jacob says, “We’re doing short readings based on questions that come up, ranging from scripture to Episcopal Church liturgical resources to Richard Rohr’s recent book on how the prophets can help us understand our own confusing times.
“I’m really touched by the depth of spirituality of this group, which echoes what I’ve seen across the parish as a whole. They show a willingness to navigate complex issues and support and care for one another, and an enthusiasm for finding more ways to serve St. John’s and the community.”
The Men’s Group meets at St John’s on the second Friday of every month at 10 am. Newcomers are very welcome to join at any time.