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Beloved of God,
You are reading this just after the weekend of Hallowtide, the triduum of the Feasts of All Hallows, All Saints, and All Souls. Those celebrations, both secular and sacred, along with the changing of our clocks and the continued stresses of our national political and economic landscape, have created a particular kind of intensity in the air. There is darkness all around us.
It has definitely been a thin-space time, when the veil between the living and the dead feels narrower, more porous. For me, this is an occasion to remember that the faith of the saints sustained them through their own challenging times. The Church has long existed, found its purpose even through periods of conflict, famine, war, doubt, and division. The call of Jesus Christ to be a people of hope, justice, and love sustains us, compels us even, just as it has for those who have come before. We remember those saints, and all the faithful departed. May they know peace and model for us the perseverance we require to be beacons in our time.
Holding all Souls who are Struggling in Our Prayers
In addition to all the saints, I’m especially holding in my prayers all the souls who are struggling in our midst—particularly federal workers heading into month two of furlough, many working without pay; immigrant neighbors fearful to attend their churches, take their children to school, go to work; individuals who, as of Saturday, may no longer have access to federal food assistance to feed their families. Lord, have mercy. I give thanks for the congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts who provide hunger relief in their communities. Now is a good time to seek them out and volunteer your time, talent, or treasure. The Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Taunton comes to mind; they serve more than 150 meals a day, Mon-Fri, at Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen & Resource Center. And I know there are many more of you doing this holy work!
Introducing an Immigrant Legal Emergency Fund
Many congregations in our diocese are also supporting immigrants both in their midst and in their larger communities, during this time of particular vulnerability. I’m hearing from their priests that it’s difficult to meet the financial needs of immigrants, which include legal services to protect their immigration status as well as basic needs, like rent and food, which are especially difficult to secure when it is frightening to pursue employment or assistance.
To help the congregations who are supporting our immigrant siblings, I am excited to announce that I will be seeding an Immigrant Legal Emergency Fund for our diocese from my discretionary fund. I will contribute $25K to the fund and will match another $25K as we raise it throughout the diocese. These monies will be available for diocesan clergy to supplement their discretionary funds as critical needs of immigrants continue to rise (Clergy: details forthcoming on the mechanics of this!). We will begin the campaign at Diocesan Convention, on November 15. Please be generous, as you are able. If you want to give in advance to help us get off to a strong start, you can do so through our giving portal here.
Convention is Around the Corner!
Speaking of Diocesan Convention—I can’t wait to see you! On Friday, November 14, there will be amazing workshops, a keynote speaker, and a festive dinner. If you haven’t done so, it’s time to submit your nominations for the first annual Courage and Joy Awards to be presented at the dinner. The deadline is Wednesday, November 7. Use this form to nominate someone who has modeled these diocesan values.
All are welcome at Convention, but today is the last day to register! On Saturday, November 15, we will conduct our governance business, with delegates and resident clergy. That will be livestreamed on the diocese’s YouTube channel. I consider convention a gathering of the household of our diocese—a family reunion of sorts—with important conversation around our diocese’s business affairs and the public witness we will make. I’m hoping for some fun as well!
November blessings to you all, beloved saints of God.
Some Notes
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