As we enter into this time of Advent, I pray for the people of Waukesha, for all those who mourn, grieve and shout to the sky “Why?” I keep them in my prayers, and ask for healing and strength in their community.
Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent. It is a time when we look at the times of preparation in our lives, giving thanks for the times of energy, but also for the times of darkness and growth. In place of the Collect for Purity, we will give thanks for the gifts the darkness gives to us – dreams stirring; finding rest and peace from the chaos of the world; seeds coming to life; seeing the beauty of the stars; Mary’s womb, where Jesus, God’s Son, became human; the dark of the night, where the Holy Family sought rest; and the dark of a barn, where our Savior was born. During this season may we be blessed by the light and may we be blessed by the darkness.
Last year I offered daily videos during Advent, and one offering came from the Jesse Tree lessons. We are going to offer these lessons again, but in a different format. After the 10 a.m. service on each of Advent’s four Sundays, we will have a gathering in the Narthex to hear the readings and hang the ornaments for the Jesse Tree. This is a way to mark God’s saving acts in the world throughout the Advent season, and each lesson comes with its own image. Join us November 28, December 5, 12, and 19 after the 10 a.m. service.
Finally, I am starting a St. Joseph’s Guild at St. Mary’s! Our marvelous Junior Warden finishes her term this year (unless we change the bylaws). Instead of asking the new Junior Warden to do all that she has done, I am proposing we start a St. Joseph’s Guild. This is a group of people willing to receive a weekly email of maintenance needs at St. Mary’s (fixing, repair, etc.). If they feel able to complete a task, they would email Lynn and claim it. If they feel we need a professional for something, they would say that too. In truth, we have this group informally already, but I wanted to reach out and invite people to join. If you are handy and interested in helping out, please sign up in the Parish Hall.
Prayers and Blessings,
Mother Pippa