We are officially into fall, and our calendar continues to offer all sorts of events. This Sunday we welcome Sherry from Angel’s Grace to tell us about Hospice Care. While we might prefer to deny that we or our loved ones might ever need such care, as Christians, we acknowledge that death is a part of life. As Christians, we have faith that death is not the end, but we will all pass through death. As such, it is better to know our options and begin to have conversations about our wishes and preferences now, and not in an emergency situation. I hope you will join us at the 9 a.m. Coffee Hour.
Wednesday mornings see the return of Morning Prayer and discussion. We are currently watching “The Chosen,” a television series about Jesus’ life and ministry. We will watch one episode each week and have some discussion on what insights and ideas are sparked by this interpretation of the Gospels.
Also on Wednesday, we have our next Homebrewed Faith. We meet at 7 p.m. at the Delafield Brewhaus to discuss various points of theology. Emmanuel UCC attends as well, which leads to rich discussion and insights. Our topic for this month is Creation, Creation Care and Creationism. What is our relationship to the earth and the animals around us? What are some relevant Bible passages? What have various theologians thought? What do you believe?
Saturday, October 1 is our Blessing of the Animals. We will gather at 10 a.m. in the North Parking Lot for a short blessing. I am happy to bless the pets themselves, photos of pets, or stuffed animals. At 1 p.m. we will head out on a hike. Please sign up in the Parish Hall so we can tell you where to meet. Both of these events are open to family, friends and random people you meet in the grocery store.
We are in our second week of Stewardship. Ironically, in a year where our theme is More than Enough, I am continually reminded of the finiteness of life. It may be abundant, but the fact that we have a limited amount of time, energy and resources means that our choices have weight, they matter. And, I often have more than I realize. When I begin to thank God, I find the list is longer than I had imagined. And that is not a cause for shame or guilt, but rejoicing. And in that rejoicing, I feel freer to share and to give. I look at my pledge to St. Mary’s every year. I consider my current pledge and I prayerfully consider what I can give in the coming year. It is part of my practice to raise my pledge each year, and I aim for my giving between St. Mary’s and other charities to be 10% of my income. That is what makes sense for me, but it might not make sense for you. In fact, what makes sense will likely look different for each individual. I simply share my own experience, in the hopes that it will be useful to yours.
Prayers and Blessings,
Mother Pippa