Blessings & Backpacks
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's.
At the end of the service on Sunday, we're going to do two special things. First, at the conclusion of communion, we'll say a prayer of thanksgiving for our existing altar. This altar has been the central part of life at St. Matt's for a long time - dating back, I'm told, to the 70s or so. That represents a lot of time - and many, many celebrations of the Eucharist! Think about all the people who have served at this table, gathered around it, and been fed from it. We will remember them in our prayers on Sunday as we give thanks for the role this Holy Table has played in the life of this community. And then next week, that altar will be removed from the sanctuary in preparation for the new one.
This change to a new altar is a rare and special thing. Before the current altar goes anywhere permanently, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens will also visit St. Matt's and offer some prayers for both altars. And ultimately, we will need to discover together a holy way to put this altar to rest. (Note: usually when things have been blessed or consecrated they either need to be consumed or returned to the earth (like the Eucharist) or burned (like Palms that become ashes).
After these special prayers, we'll do one more special thing on Sunday. I hope kids will bring their backpacks. I hope adults will bring their bags and briefcases. I hope that if you're a teacher, a para, an administrator, a coach, or anyone who has any role within any one of our schools, that you'll come forward, too. And together we will bless bags, backpacks, briefcases, kids, and adults for the school year ahead. We don't know what the year ahead holds for our kids exactly, but we do know that God will be with them every step of the way. This is a visible, tangible reminder that God's blessing goes with them - and with you - and all of us - wherever we go. So, on Sunday, bring your bag, briefcase, self, child, or teaching spouse with you to receive God's blessing.
It was wonderful to see some of you this past week in person in our pews for the 10:00am service. I hope to see more of you this week. Please be in touch if you need something or if there is anything I can do to support you and your faith journey. I hope to see you on Sunday.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector