Stefanie, CJ, Alice and I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the prayers, cards, meals, and well wishes that we have received over these past few weeks. Baby Alice is a 7-pound bundle of milk chugging, bellow-lunged joy and we can’t wait to share her with all of you.
New life seems to be springing forth from every angle at St. David’s these days, and this is reflected especially in our sacramental scheduling. We currently have four Baptisms coming down the barrel, a Blessing of Marriage in the spring, the return of the Common Cup on All Saints’ Sunday, and at least a dozen Feast Day and special occasion services standing between us and the end of the year.
Additionally, we’re looking forward to the installation of a new road sign, which will be integrated into the existing stonework and be backlit so that it can be seen past 3 p.m. in those dark winter months. It will be the perfect pairing for our new barrier-free doorways at the main entrance of the church, and new internal signage welcoming our ever increasing numbers of Great Hall renters to our spiritual home.
In the life of Christian Education at St. David’s, I would invite us all to read together as an Advent Devotional – All Creation Waits – The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss. This very accessible daily devotional book invites us to consider how the natural world prepares itself for the Christmas season as we prepare for the incarnation of Christ ourselves. It is the perfect night-stand reader, and great for families of all ages. It is available on most online book retailers, please reach out to me via email if you need help accessing a copy.
Finally, I will be offering a theological “Ask me anything!” following service on November 12th. Interested in the mechanics of the Trinity? Ever wrestled with the problem of evil? Ever wonder what exactly it is that Episcopalians believe different from our Catholic or Evangelical siblings? What does Baptism really do for us anyway? Bring your questions, and we’ll see what surfaces we can’t skim together from 11:00 a.m. to noon on the 12th. The questions you ask will inform me about areas of interest for a spring Catechism course, so ask away!
My friends, thank you for your patience these last three weeks while I cared for my family, but my Protestant Work Ethic is telling me that it’s time to get back to it. I mention the phrase every week before our Sunday service begins, but you better believe that this week I’ll mean it when I say “friends, it is good to be together.”
Yours in Christ Jesus,
– Joe+