Happy Thanksgiving from St. Matt's!
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
Happy Thanksgiving! I pray this day finds you sharing its warmth with people you love. For some of us, this day conjures images of loved ones cooking in the wee hours of the morning, the sound of the parade in the background, and long drives to collect elderly relatives. For some of us, the day is a little more tricky than that. No matter where you are, or who you're with today, know that you are not alone. You belong to God and to this deep and diverse group of disciples.
One of the things I'm most thankful for this year is you. And this community. And the wonders that God is working amongst us. (Okay, maybe that's more than one thing...) I'm thankful for the little hands and open minds of our kids as they learn about God's love for them. I'm thankful for our Mission Team and their good work in Wilton and beyond. I'm thankful for Confirmands who are being invited to wrestle with scripture and tradition. I'm thankful for the joy and the laughter that are present in this place - and for the ways we hold each other in love when challenge comes. I'm thankful for the places where our faith is growing and for the deep well of compassion in this community. I'm thankful for all the people who have joined us in the last year - our newcomers, in particular, as well as Don our Deacon and Meg our Intern. I'm thankful for our dedicated and wonderful parish staff who support and sustain the life of this place, and for all of you who have positions of leadership - for our Wardens, Vestry, and committees. And I am so grateful for all the ways that you serve and inspire our life together - in our mission work, in our worship, in our formation and learning, in our fellowship and fun, and with the gifts of your time, talent, treasure, prayer, and presence. I hope you will give thanks with me for the truth that though we are all on our own spiritual journey, the love we share together and with God makes us one Body, one People. And we never have to take the journey alone. We have each other and an abundance of gifts to share. Thank you for helping us unfold and discover God's dream for us.
Wherever this day finds you, I pray you will remember that you belong to God and to us. For those of you who are traveling this week, I wish you traveling mercies and a safe return. And I hope that if you're in town, you will be here on Sunday as we begin the season of Advent, looking hopefully together toward Christmas, toward the light that always shines in the darkness, and hope that always conquers despair. May you know this day, deep in your bones, that you belong here - to this community that is St. Matt's - and to this People that belongs to God.
God bless you and happy Thanksgiving.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector