A Note from the Rector’s Warden
“All the months are crude experiments, out of which the perfect September is made.” – Virginia Woolf
September is a time of transition and planning for the coming winter – everything from the new school year beginning to winding down the vegetable garden. It can be an unsettled time with the weather feeling too warm one day and too cold the next. September is also a hopeful time as we look forward to all things pumpkin spice, flannel sheets, and the holiday plans that are far enough out to be happily anticipated, as opposed to suddenly upon us. Rather than drag you through a tortured gardening metaphor, suffice it to say that we are feeling all of these things in personal ways and in our Christ Church community. For the vestry, finance committee, choir, hospitality, and countless others, September is a time to dig into the work of our spiritual and social programs that will carry us forward. For all of these programs and events there are the weekly e-mail, bulletins, and other communications that go out (thank you Mackenzie) – please be sure to check those frequently to keep informed of everything and join in whenever you can.
Regarding our Rector search, we are still working with the Diocese on our list of candidates for interim. In the meantime we are blessed to have Rev. David Laquintano “subbing in” for Sunday services and assisting Deacon Dennis with pastoral needs. In a recent sermon, Rev. David spoke about the difficulties and rewards of crossing bridges, and finding more when it seems there is nothing left to give. He also reminded us of the context of Matthew’s gospel – the gospel we will be reading in our lectionary cycle through Advent. Matthew was writing to a church in difficult circumstances, to the Jewish followers of the Rabbi Jesus who had seen the destruction of the Jerusalem and the Temple, and the persecution of the Jewish people pushed out of the Holy Land. As a congregation, they had to overcome hard things (if you missed it –watch the Youtube livestream). Call it a coincidence or divine intervention, but the subtle messaging of Matthew’s gospel is a gift to us at this time. Things are unsettled, we feel at a loss, and the difference between excited anticipation and anxiety often presents as a razor’s edge. At the very least, it makes us tired. But we can overcome hard things together and support each other to meet the need. To that end, if you haven’t been to services in-person, I invite and encourage you to come. The choir is returning and is fabulous in-person. It is a true gift to be physically present with others… and we have cake! God Bless.
Written by, Sharon Cotter