Words of Encouragement
from Fr. Tom Albinson
For the past month I have been watching a patch of grass seed growing in my front garden. No particular effort went into preparing the soil, the seeds were cast and I watered it once and then let the rain water from then on.

Granted, I could have improved the soil, provided nutrients as well as extra water, and the grass growth likely would have been quicker. As I have watched the grass grow I have marvelled at it.

During my grass watching, the Friday Women’s Bible Study has been exploring 1 Corinthians and the following has resonated with me:

“So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ... For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Cor 3v6-8

Seeing the grass growing has been a sign of hope for me and that God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, gives the growth in me even when I struggle. Also it is a reminder that God is present now working in this world and we all have a part to play.

The kingdom of heaven is near as Jesus said, and by the power of the Holy Spirit The Church of St Michael and St George is working together with others in the wider St Louis region to witness to this.

God bless

Tom +

• As the coronavirus pandemic began, members of The Church of St. Michael & St. George quickly recognized that the African American community would be among those hardest hit. The church contacted Bridges to Care and Recovery, a program which seeks to combat mental illness by teaching clergy in 65 African American churches in North City and County to recognize mental illness and to connect their parishioners with services. Bridges asked their Wellness Champions to tell us what we might do to help their congregations.

The answer was food for those who are having trouble feeding their families and more recently face masks for protection. For the past several weeks, parishioners have been donating food and household supplies on Sunday afternoons and driving them to the food pantry of The Last Days Apostolic Church where District Elder May Johnson is pastor.

• Be sure to download the Sunday Morning Prayer service leaflet posted on the web so that you can participate in the liturgy. We join with one voice in the Worship of the living God.  

• Be on the look out for a phone call from Church Receptionist Becky Arthur or other staff members, as we update our Realm directory.