Crowns and the turning of the season.
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
On Sunday, we'll celebrate the last Sunday in the season of Pentecost. It's a special feast day; we call it Christ the King. This feast comes for us at the end of "ordinary time" every year to remind us of who this Jesus really is and what his kingship really looks like. And then the season turns, and we move into the season of Advent. As you know, Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas, when we turn our attention to the miracle of the incarnation and the many ways that God continues to break into our lives, surprising us with joy and good news.
The seasons of the church calendar are supposed to help us navigate the seasons of our life. They give us a sense of groundedness, a sense of direction. And if we let them, they can give us a sense of resilience and hope. There's a rhythm to the seasons, to scripture, and to God's love. A constant reminder of what is to come. This change in season is no different. And I think it has something to say to us in this moment that we find ourselves in, during this pandemic season that is like nothing any of us have experienced before.
As we move into the next few weeks, be mindful of yourself, of your emotions, of the way your body moves through time. Be mindful of the things you need, of where your anxiety level is. Remember that the breath of God lives within you. You have a spark of the divine, and so you are worthy of health and wholeness. Take every opportunity to show kindness to the people around you, even when you don't have to. Let yourself begin to notice the things that don't change, the good things God has given you that can't be taken from you. And let that lead you into this new season of noticing and preparation. Even in the midst of the challenges we're facing, God is coming to you. And you'll hear more about that in our Scripture on Sunday.
Take a look through this e-news for some new and exciting announcements about how we'll look for love and joy together in the season ahead. We'll begin with some memories and gratitude next week as Thanksgiving approaches. And there will be more to come. Pay attention with us to the turn of the season and to the gifts that it brings. And first...this Sunday when we are reminded that God is mysterious and nothing is quite as it seems. In the best possible way.
Know that in the midst of this season and all that we're facing, I'm incredibly grateful for you. And for all the ways that you live your faith, share the love of God, and honor the worth of those around you. You are a constant reminder of how God breaks into the world around us with loving hearts and compassionate hands.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector