This week, Mother Liz shares a photo of the Judean wilderness she took recently and says: “Of all the places I visited in the Holy Land, the wilderness was perhaps the most evocative for me. It was easy for me to imagine Jesus confronting the meaning of his vocation there, or John the Baptist listening for the word that would shape his prophetic message.” And at the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service, art historian Dennis Raverty will explore images of St. Joseph in art, legend and history. Join us!

The readings for the first Sunday of Advent always feature scary images of the end times. They are apocalyptic — both in the popular sense of catastrophic ending and the more literal meaning, which is uncovering or revelation. This Sunday’s forum following the 11 am service will explore these Advent themes, asking how we find hope in apocalyptic times, and what is being revealed by the crises of our day. Learn more in this week’s newsletter.

From the rector: “In these days of heart-breaking news and busy, stressful lives, it really is an essential spiritual practice to notice beauty and stay open to delight. I hope that this Thanksgiving holiday brings you nourishment for body and soul; community and rest; and a heart tender to small (or large) moments of goodness, hope and grace.”

The rector writes about this Sunday’s Epistle reading: “Paul is emphasizing surprise and suddenness, calling the Thessalonians to prepare for a day that is surely coming but whose timing is unknowable. But I wonder how these images speak to us, as we too live in such uncertain times. They speak of stealthy presence and unexpected loss, of laboring for new beginnings and the inevitability of change.” Also this Sunday: the in-gathering of our community’s pledges to support Ascension in 2024. Haven’t pledged yet? Go here! Already pledged? Thank you!

This week, as we enter a season of giving and thanksgiving, the rector shares a poem, “The Miracle of Giving,” by D. A. Powell. Also this Sunday: we welcome the Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer (pictured above) as guest preacher and forum leader. Dr. Breyer is the Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of New York and a priest of our diocese. She has been a leader in work on immigrant rights, interfaith dialogue and activism, and Christian peacemaking, so her visit is incredibly timely! Please join us!

The rector writes: “In this season when we celebrate the communion of saints in a variety of different ways, I am glad to be home with the saints of our own community. I am grateful for a rich and renewing sabbatical, and also look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday and in the days to come.” This Sunday, Ascension celebrates the Feast of All Saints, and on Thursday: our annual Harvest Dinner! Sign up information is included in this week’s newsletter.