Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: Graft in our hearts the love of your Name; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and bring forth in us the fruit of good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
Three Days
by Fr. Robert Ard
And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” Exodus: 15:24
You might think that the passage above was uttered by the Israelites many decades, years, months, or even weeks after they had crossed the Red Sea and wandered in the wilderness without any water to drink. You would be wrong, however. The Israelites uttered the complaint above only three days after they had passed through the Red Sea. The success of their escape out of Egypt through the Red Sea was fresh in their hearts and minds, but they still complained bitterly against Moses. They had just seen and experienced the greatest miracle ever. They had walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. They had seen the army of Egypt drowned in the Red Sea behind them. What could be more trust inspiring than the waters of the Red Sea parting and the whole assembly of Israel walking on dry ground into freedom from slavery in Egypt? How could a little thirst overcome their memory of God's mighty deed? In the whole of the Bible only Jesus' resurrection is more astounding and memorable than Israel's march through the Red Sea. This miracle is so astounding that Israel going through the Red Sea, becomes the great story and motif on which baptism and death and new life are built. This is no small event. It is the foundational event of Israel as a nation and a people beyond a few brothers.
But Israel forgot, nonetheless, that it was God who had provided for them and rescued them from Pharaoh. What is a little thirst compared to the assurance that God could provide and care for them after the Red Sea? Of course, the human heart and mind quickly forgets even the greatest of miracles in light of a little discomfort and pain in the present moment.
Earlier this year I was amazed that the vestry unanimously wanted to renovate the rectory. I was amazed that the Decades Campaign raised as much money as they did, and I was amazed that we had a plan to overcome all of the obstacles to renovate the rectory. The only problem was that we would have to move out of the rectory. We found a rental property, and we moved across the street. What could go wrong? We were only going to be out of the rectory for a few months. We just needed to hold our breath and remember pleasant thoughts for a few months. How hard could this spiritual and emotional project of being out of our house actually be?
The answer is: It's very hard. Within three days of moving out of the rectory, I wanted to move back into the rectory. I had forgotten my own admonitions to be patient and trust in the Lord. I soon began to ask: Where is this so called Lord God? I am thirsty, hungry, and uncomfortable. Where did this Lord God go? Why isn't He here fixing my problems. Doesn't He know that I am hungry and thirsty? The desire to be back in my old suboptimal housing situation now overwhelmed my desire to wait for the Lord and to give thanks unto the LORD God at all times and in all places. If this three month Exodus in the wilderness has taught me anything, it has taught me that I am not that much different than the Israelites in the wilderness. We all forget the blessings of God in light of the present moment's experience of pain and suffering. Our Lord Jesus knows this and forgives us from the cross even as he beckons us from the cross to pick up our cross and follow him. Thank you, Lord God, for being with us even when we forget that You are indeed with us and love us. Amen.
September 8, 15, 22: We will start flow class at 8:15 and end at 9:15 and begin chair yoga at 9:25 and finish at 10:25. These are the only classes that I will need to change. I appreciate your help in this.
No Yoga October 12 and 13
Yoga classes:Mondays @ 6:00 p.m. / Tuesdays @ 8:15 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. (Parish Hall - $10.00 per person)
Parkinson's Movement Class- Wednesdays @ 9:30 a.m. (Tryon Fine Arts Center - FREE)
Our international outreach effort to the nation of Moldova began with a fundraising dinner this year, followed by a massive effort to fill a seaborne container headed to that nation. Now some folks from Holy Cross - including Fr. Ian Williams along with Craig and Mary Mix - are flying to Moldova on September 8. Wish them bon voyage and pray for safe travels. We look forward to hearing and seeing more from them as they head out on this adventure.
Local Ministry
Last Saturday was a wonderful opportunity to work together as the body of Christ to provide for those in our community. The youth of Holy Cross got a chance to wear their new t-shirts to purchase and deliver food to both Operation Hope in Landrum, and Outreach in Columbus. Here's a note from Operation Hope:
Spotlight on Small Groups
Holy Comforters at Holy Cross
The Holy Comforters Group meets weekly, donating their time and talents to the creation of prayer shawls. The group is a source of inspiration and support for the creative process, with prayer a part of each meeting. The group offers instruction in knitting and crochet, both in weekly meetings and in workshops designed to teach these healing arts. Warmth and encouragement are important parts of this holy process, and interested parishioners are welcome at meetings. The group is supported by Frs. Robert and lan, who are often instrumental in identifying persons who can benefit from a prayer shawl.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry
Shawls are lovingly created by the Holy Comforters Ministry at Holy Cross. After creation, they are blessed by the minister; and they are then given to the recipient in a personal ceremony of care and peace. At Holy Cross, prayer shawls are also available in the chapel for parishioners to use as they meditate and pray. Each shawl carries a message of hope and healing, and recipients are encouraged to share their own stories of comfort.
What is a Prayer Shawl
A Prayer Shawl is a warm hug for any parishioner in need of comfort or support at times of illness, loss, or other need. Prayer shawls are hand knitted or crocheted, acts of love that enrich both the giver and the recipient.
