October ’22 Rector’s Message
Pumpkins. I think it is the mix of bright color and roundness that leads to the joy that they bring. The most important part about the Pumpkin Patch is the opportunity to bring joy and delight to the neighborhood, and to connect to the community. We all have neighbors whose spiritual and religious life is deep and satisfying. We also all have neighbors who are searching for meaning and purpose,and friends who the Spirit is working on and they don’t know where to begin. Christ Church is a wholehearted community and we have a beautiful facility and outstanding programs to nurture faith and connection: this month of jolly bright orange delight is a chance for a new beginning.
The requested arrival is the first weekend of the month, but as with recent years, the delivery date is as wily as the weather. Last year a host of angelic neighbors stepped in to help with the mid-week delivery: if you know someone in the neighborhood who has the time and ability and generosity of spirit to help with the unloading, whenever it happens, help them tune in to our information sources. If you are reading this and in the area, I hope and expect two more things. First, if you are able, you will volunteer at the patch. Details about how to volunteer will be out soon. The second is that you will invite people to make their seasonal purchases with us. This year we will be sharing 10% of our proceeds with the Ridley Park Food Pantry, and 10% to support the outdoor education program at Eddystone Elementary. Our walk with Jesus is one of hope and generosity, and the Pumpkin Patch creates real impact for real needs in our area.
Before all that we also have the Blessing of the Animals. I will be out on Sellers to say prayers with every critter that comes by, whether it be live, or stuffed, or pictured. This is one of my favorite things to do, and I need your help sending folks by and getting the word out. Like the pumpkin patch, this is not really for us. It is about God’s love and abundance and our connecting with friends and neighbors. If you are an animal enthusiast, I would also love your company.
This month marks three full years of my ministry with Christ Church. I cannot say enough about your steadfastness, your compassion, or your generosity. We have been through so much in these years, and we have welcomed many new friends, and there are those who we miss. The love of God made known in Christ Jesus is sending us out, inspiring in our hearts new opportunities to dig deep and shine bright, just like the pumpkins we are known for. We cannot wait for a fairy godmother to wave a wand, there is work for us to do.