The rector writes: “As many of you know, last Sunday I preached about Jesus’ invitation to come and rest. It seems to have been timely — several people said, ‘How did you know? You were speaking directly to me!’ The truth is, I was speaking to myself as well. Learning how to rest deeply is vitally important and so difficult in these days.
 
“Accordingly, this Sunday our forum [following the 10 am service] will be about rest, and it will be an opportunity to share our struggles, questions and wisdom with one another. It just seems like a worthwhile conversation!”

This week, the rector reflects on the importance of Sabbath rest for ourselves and the world. Also this week: July’s “second Wednesday” parish BBQ on July 12th!
 
On a more sobering note: a request for prayers after sad news from our brothers and sisters in Martel, Haiti.

For the week of Independence Day celebrations, the rector shares a poem by the first Latina poet laureate of the U.S., Ada Limón (pictured above): “A New National Anthem.” Also note: this week we begin our summer worship schedule (through Labor Day weekend) with Eucharist, hymns and soloists at 10 am Sundays and the service of Meditation & Sacrament at 6 pm. Happy (and safe) Fourth!

This week, we welcome Eric Busby as our guest preacher for Pride Sunday! Eric is a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary concentrating in theology and the arts. An Alabama-born and raised queer artist and theologian, Eric cut their teeth as a rural social worker in a hospice agency before pivoting to a career in art direction and styling in San Francisco. Then following the 11 am service, as we have for over four decades, we will once again serve cold water (with a twist of lemon!) to Pride marchers as they pass the church on Fifth Avenue. Happy Pride!

Juneteenth is the holiday that commemorates the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Since its first anniversary, it has involved church-centered community gatherings. In honor of the 158th anniversary of this important milestone in our country, and the second year its commemoration is a federal holiday, our rector shares reflections and possibilities for action from the Episcopal Public Policy Network.