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From the Rector
November is busy month, marked by a number of important celebrations and events, for the church and for the country.
The month begins with All Saints Day, November 1, one of the major Festivals of the Church Year. As is our custom at St. Matthias' we will celebrate it on the Sunday following, this year November 2. And, as is done in many churches, we will combine the celebration of All Saints with the commemoration of All Souls which is Nov. 2 on the church calendar. We will celebrate the Communion of Saints, that whole body of God's people in every time and place of which are part. And we will remembers our own beloved departed, those whose love and presence in our lives and parish have helped make us the saints we are, by God's grace.
November 4, is Election Day. Don't forget to vote. The church, like the country, is made up of all folks from all political parties and viewpoints.
On Sunday, November 9, we will once again observe Native American Heritage month with an inculturated liturgy at 10 am. Using prayers, music, drumming, and sage from the American Indian spiritual tradition. Vestry member Isaiah Brokenleg will once again be our preacher. Isaiah began seminary studies this year at Vancouver School of Theology in the Indigenous Studies Center.
Monday, November 10, is the day of the annual Veteran's Breakfast at St. Matthias from 7:30 to 9:30. All veterans are welcome.
Be sure to join us on Thursday, November 20 for our annual Thanksgiving Evensong and dinner. As usual, I'll roast the Turkeys and make the stuffing. Everything else will be pot luck. Our special honorees for the evening will be newcomers to St. Matthias' during the past year.
Sunday, November 23 is Christ the King Sunday, the final celebration of the Church year. The day celebrates the reign of God's love and grace of which we are all a part.
On Thursday, November 27, our country pauses with family and friends, neighbors and strangers, to give thanks. The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at St. Francis in Eagle River at 10 am on that day. Other churches in the area will be taking part and St. Matthias' parishioners are particularly invited.
Sunday, November 30 is the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new Church year.
All of these celebrations and events remind us that we are part of God's universal kingdom, and that we are part of one another. What does it mean to be a citizen of this country, of this good land whose bounty has sustained peoples of many nations for thousands of years? What does it mean to be a part of the Communion of Saints, the holy ones of God in Minocqua, and this diocese, and all around the world -- today, and in the past, and in ages to come? What does it mean to see and know those around us as fellow saints, fellow citizens, fellow servants, fellow travelers on this marvelous journey of life?
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
- Book of Common Prayer, p. 815
God bless you all,
Fr. Edgar Wallace
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