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A Reflection from The Rev. Ben Robertson
It's a Lot.
This time of year can be mental and logistical frenzy. If you have school aged children, we are fully in the groove of school, but we are also juggling all of the various October activities, including Halloween. And we need to start to plan for Thanksgiving, and then it’s Christmas!!! So much is crammed into this last fourth of the year.
At All Saints, the occasions might be different, but the activity level is similar. We are in the midst of stewardship (have you turned in your pledge? hint, hint). This Sunday we will celebrate a baptism AND the Ministry Fair. Miss Anne’s Music Class is returning to campus next week! Then there is Trunk or Treat on the 25th (we still need trunks, please sign up below), All Saints Sunday (including a BBQ lunch, and a carnival), and then it’s off to the races with Advent. Along with stewardship, today I worked on 2027 staff benefits, college care packages, adult Sunday School for November and December, and I had an idea about the Christmas Eve bulletins (be afraid Scott, be very afraid). I need to put in the vocational clutch!
And yet, in the grand scheme of things, these aren’t the important things. Beloved saints are having surgery, enjoying the beach, receiving treatments, worrying about relationships, awaiting results, and applying for jobs. That’s a lot, on top of everything else.
The seasons and celebrations we enjoy and plan all revolve around stories, and ultimately people. At school, there was that time you forgot to bring a lunch and a new friend shared their sandwich. On Halloween, there was that kid in youth group who sat with you outside the haunted house when you were too afraid to walk through. During baptisms, I always remember past baptisms, including a child who will remain nameless who was welcomed into the household of God, and then promptly spat up all over my shoes. There was the time I burnt the Thanksgiving turkey (I thought it tasted fine). And then of course there are all the stories of Christmases long, long ago, even the first one, 2026 years ago.
These stories are people: beloved family members, bestest friends, and saints of God. And as we walk through our own stories - especially the difficult times that aren’t pumpkin spiced - these folks walk with us. We are never alone.
And as we prepare for All Saints Sunday in less than a month, be aware of the saints who are alongside you, actually and spiritually. They are a blessing, now and forever. AMEN.
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