This week, the rector writes about Our Lady of Guadalupe, beloved across Latin America and increasingly celebrated in the Episcopal Church, and the story of the appearance of the Virgin to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, an indigenous man in what is today Mexico City. And at the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service, we will consider Mary’s joyful and subversive song, “My Soul Magnifies the Lord,” through scripture study, music and art. Join us!
In this week’s newsletter, the rector asks: “How will you make the way ready for Christ who comes in mystery, in humility, in neighbors and strangers? What preparations are needed in our hearts, our closest relationships, our parish community to welcome the Beloved with joy?” One way we will do that is this Sunday, when we will have a “welcome brunch” party following the 11 am service for all parishioners and visitors, with the special intention of getting to know the most recent arrivals to our parish community! Join us!
This week, a prose poem by Truman Capote to lead us from Thanksgiving into Advent. Plus, several other upcoming activities and items to note for this not-yet-Christmas season.
In this week’s newsletter, the rector writes: “As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, we give thanks for all the ways we are nourished and sustained by our relationships with one another and the earth. We give thanks for God’s presence and bounty in good and difficult times. We pray that our gratitude may be part of a virtuous circle of giving back, especially when our hearts are broken open by both the wounds and the gracious goodness of our world and all we love.”
This week, an excerpt from “Life Goes On,” a poem by philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader Howard Thurman. And in this week’s newsletter, news of events and worship services that, indeed, feed and further the life of this parish. Join us!
In this week’s newsletter, the rector shares three recommendations for how we can dedicate ourselves to God’s care and the service of others while as a community we pray: “O God, the whole world is in your hands. Guide and protect us as we face the days ahead.”
This week, the rector shares a “Prayer for Leadership” by Sister Joan Chittister of the Order of St. Benedict. The church will be open from 9 am to 6 pm on Election Day for prayerful reflection, and the next day, Wednesday, November 6, the 6 pm Eucharist will be focused on our need for healing, justice and peace in our hearts, our nation and our world. Very intentionally we also want to invite our neighbors, who may feel that need and want a safe and welcoming place to be. It seems unlikely that we will have final results of the election already, and it is good to spend some time waiting and praying together. Please join us and invite a friend.
The rector, reflecting on this Sunday’s Gospel lesson, writes: “Bartimaeus cries out for Jesus’ attention despite the attempts of those around him to quiet him. He persists. He seizes the opportunity Jesus’ passing by offers; he insists on being heard. … He does not equivocate or hedge. He speaks the seemingly impossible desire of his heart. Perhaps faith is in this daring and honest desire as well — and in the risk of transformation that comes with it.” Also in this week’s newsletter, a reminder about next week, November 3: Daylight Saving Time ends! Fall back!
This week, Father Ed, just back from his vacation/retreat, asks: “Can we explore what it means to consciously connect our joy in all creation with what we say so many times each year in our baptismal covenant? Could that bring about a spirit-shift in us?” Also this week: We welcome Deirdre Good, ThD, as our guest preacher and Forum Leader. Dr. Good is a New Testament scholar, a retired seminary professor and a lay preacher in the Diocese of Maine.
This week, the rector writes about the upcoming election, the sharp divisions in our country, and the attendant anxiety many are feeling — and what, together, we might do to help mitigate that anxiety leading up to Election Day, including many of the activities and get-togethers described in this week’s newsletter. (And the church will be open for prayer and quiet reflection from 9 am – 6 pm on Election Day.)