Category: News

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!

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.)

From the rector: “This Sunday we offer the Blessing of the Animals, prayers of thanksgiving and care for our animal companions in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who was a great friend of all living creatures. It is without a doubt one of the happiest events at church every year. It attracts neighbors. People I don’t know ask me when we are doing it and if they can bring their pets. ‘Of course!’ I always say.” Join us at the 11 am service and following for the Blessing of the Animals. We always look forward to seeing all the animals and their people on this Sunday!

The rector writes: “In this Sunday’s reading from the end of [his] letter, James calls us to pray. This is the bedrock and the lifeblood of the community of faith. Whether we are suffering or cheerful, we are to offer prayer and praise. When we are sick or struggling, we are to ask for the prayer support of the community. Prayer is linked with honest conversation and sharing each other’s burdens- the vulnerability of confessing our sins to each other, forgiving and praying for each other’s healing and wholeness.” At the Sunday Forum following the 11 am service as part of our “Season of Creation,” Mark Larrimore, Professor of Religious Studies at the New School, will lead us in a discussion of trees and the unique, sacred relationships we share with them.