We are in the last few days of August, and September will soon be here with all the accompanying busyness of classes beginning, activities reforming and to-do lists lengthening. I hope that you are finding moments of balance and groundedness in the midst of all the chaos and rushing of life, and I hope St. Mary’s is a place that feeds you and inspires you.
Our official kick off to the program year will be Sunday, September 19 with “Easter in September.” We will celebrate Easter at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services, and will then transition into Fall Fest. It will be a high energy, joyful celebration as we continue to move closer in community and towards one another. Of course there are many opportunities to volunteer for Fall Fest as well as the Book Sale, and I hope you will sign up in the Parish Hall.
Our Stewardship program this year focuses on “Every Perfect Gift” and I am really excited to explore this theme. We will incorporate some questions about gifts into Coffee Hour and put up a PowerPoint sharing people’s answers. If you would be willing to help kick start the conversation during the announcements one week, please let me know. We will have a different question each week and I cannot wait to read people’s responses!
As you may have noticed, your bulletins are growing thicker each week with all the upcoming activities. Adult Education, Contemplative Prayer and Healing Service all return in September. The Blessing of the Animals is coming up in October. We have All Saints Evensong, Game Night, Advent Craft Fair and Thanksgiving in November. December holds the Advent Quiet Day, Longest Night, Lessons and Carols, and, of course, Christmas. Please read all the announcements carefully and mark your calendars. St. Mary’s is finally coming out of quarantine and moving into active and joyful participation in the world.
In the midst of all this change and growth and chaos, please always feel free to give me a call, send me an email, or find time to sit down for a chat. I find that pastoral care is my very favorite part of ministry and I want to assure you that you are never “bothering” me, it is an honor and a delight to listen to your journey and walk with you towards God. Please feel free to be in touch!
Prayers and blessings,
Mother Pippa