November 27, 2024
Happy Thanksgiving! This is a season of transition, and we are in what some would call “liminal” or “threshold” space between seasons, election cycles, and in our liturgical calendar, between Pentecost and Advent. The etymology of “threshold” is from the Latin, “Limen.” It describes states, times, spaces, etc., that exist at a point of transition or change—a metaphorical threshold—as in “the liminal zone between sleep and wakefulness.” The British psychiatrist Donald Winnicott focused on what he called the “transitional, potential spaces” between the developing infant and mother as the infant grows out of the state of psychological fusion with the mother, and discovers a sense of self, and the ability to symbolize, and create meaning. This includes our theological musings.
During threshold seasons such as Advent, something addresses us, prompts us, calls us, pushes us, pulls us into a relationship with itself. Transitional, liminal space is where we experience life in a lively way that feels real to us and where we discover new ways of seeing our lives. I would suggest that this includes those aspects of our lives that are dissonant and where we may be in conflict. It is from and within this space that we encounter each other, in our common finitude, and we bring forth a sense of wonder about all of those who inhabit that space with us. Indeed, liminal space in this sense is given meaning through the broader community, such as therapeutic spaces, and yes, our own beloved Holy Family parish,
November 20, 2024
Last Sunday was Pledge Consecration Sunday, and I am so very grateful to all who gave so generously. Thank you! And if you are considering making or renewing your pledge, thank you! Let us continue to give of our time, talents, and financial pledges with gratitude, and imagination as to who, and whose we are, and who we are becoming!
Of late I have been wondering; how might telling our stories of Divine generosity and mystery energize our common life at Holy Family? When we have been surprised by joy, how do we give in response to this? As we approach the Advent season with hopeful anticipation, how might we pay attention to even the smallest blessings on our daily walk? This past Sunday I arrived at church in the predawn darkness and sat in silence in the nave of our beautiful parish. I offered a prayer of gratitude for all the lives who would gather that day, and all the Saints who have come before, and are to come.
In his wonderful book “The Embers and the Stars,” Erazim Kohak asks this very question of each of us, and of himself… how might we respond out of gratitude for the gifts we have been given? To speak for example of the gift of the presence of God in nature—and of the creatures who live in it, may at first glance seem challenging. Kohak writes, “Nature appears dead to us in part because we have come to think of God as “super-natural,” absent from nature and not found therein.” This is,
November 13, 2024
Diocesan Council, Holy Family, and Quantum Entanglement!
On Friday and Saturday of this past week, a contingent from Holy Family journeyed to Holy Innocents’ parish for our annual Diocesan Council. I am grateful to Jeanine Krenson, Andy Edwards, Terry Nicholson, Jim Braley, and Loran Davis for their willingness to join me and in so doing, representing our beloved parish. The opening worship was lively, engaging, and deeply moving, and it was a joy for each of us to join with others from around the Diocese as we engaged in the collective, good work of being the church.
I was especially interested in the 2023 Vitality Parochial Report overview, citing trends across the Diocese. Among the “markers of vitality” were 1. Identity of Purpose (a clear sense of who you are as a parish, the gifts you have been given to share with the world, your calling); 2. Transformational Experience (spiritual maturity developed at church through worship, formation, and fellowship); 3. Shared Leadership (lay and clergy leaders collaborate and make decisions together 4. Discernment Practices (Intentional practices for listening, experimentation, adaptation) and 5. Neighborliness and Witness (serving and being in relationship with neighbors, sharing the story of the Good News beyond the walls of the church in ways that invite people in).
In each of these areas, I believe we are making good strides at Holy Family, and I am grateful to everyone for the many ways each of you contribute to our congregational vitality.
November 6, 2024
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. ~Meister Ecka
Friends, These past two weeks at Holy Family have been filled with signs of hope, enthusiasm, and teamwork among so many of you. Thank you!
Our Stewardship Kickoff celebration, the glorious Rutter Requiem on Friday, and the services on Sundays are all outward and visible signs of a vibrant community and remarkable energy. And, I have met several new visitors to our parish, including a former member of the Cathedral who now lives in Big Canoe and will be joining Holy Family. We have now gone “live” with our search, thanks to the tireless efforts of our nominating committee, led by Martha and Steve! Thank you!
This week we will enjoy our monthly Wednesday healing service, and on Friday a contingent of us will journey to Holy Innocents parish for Diocesan Council. This parish is deeply important to me, as it was where I began my journey into the Episcopal Church as a 16-year-old soon-to-be lapsed Presbyterian! On Saturday the 16th we will host a Men’s Retreat, and I hope some of you can join us to discuss the epidemic of loneliness, and how fellowship among men can have practical applications for wholeness in mind, body, and spirit. Please keep in mind our Stewardship drive as we move toward the Advent season, and pick up a Holy Family polo shirt, sweatshirt, or hat as we seek to spread the good news about our beloved parish!