Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This time of year is usually the “back-to” season, with churches and schools buzzing with activity. The annual ritual could be stressful, but one thing I am realizing is that in life, as in church, ritual is incredibly important to our wellbeing.
Without our shared structure of tradition and seasonal expectations, things can seem nebulous, and a constant, low-grade anxiety can be utterly exhausting.
Because of this, it is very understandable that many people have been longing to return to in-person worship in their beloved churches. In an always-changing world, church is truly an anchor of strength, continuity, and stability. And while we have been worshipping together since July, things can still seem a bit “off.”
With this in mind, I propose that we lean into the times in which we live. Let’s look at our cherished traditions and consider how we continue them in a new way. Let’s also take this unique opportunity to think out of the box and imagine a new future together. The time is now to envision new ideas in carrying out our mission and ministry.
Your Lay leadership and I are working on some exciting new things as well as old favorites such as the Progressive Dinner (more to come on that). What does St. Mary’s mean to you? What would you like to see happen in the “new normal?” What talents can you bring to serve God in this place?
In the midst of a world turned upside down by pandemic and real concerns about systemic racism, as well as a fractious national election season, we would do well to remember how blessed we are to live in this beautiful place, and how interdependent community truly is. In the words of the prophet Micah, "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
