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“Immediately, they left their nets and followed Jesus” – Matthew 4:20…Those words from the gospels are so familiar. Jesus gathers disciples, and they ‘follow’ him.

A new year gives us a chance to think through the road we’ve been traveling and consider whether we might change direction. That’s true for my life, and it’s true of our communal life as well. The magi are the stars (!) of the Epiphany story. But the real gift they bring to the Holy Family is to reconsider the road they were planning to take, choosing resistance rather than capitulation. Choosing Jesus over Herod. A life-saving decision for Jesus! And a life-changing decision for those of us who call ourselves Christians.

On this Christmas, we pause to remember that the light shines in the darkness—and the darkness does not overcome it. Whether you are feeling full of joy, carrying quiet grief, or simply catching your breath in the midst of a busy season, we offer this word of hope and peace to you. May the love made known in Christ meet you exactly where you are today.

We’ve waited all year – it’s almost here! The cherished St Paul & St Andrew Service of Lessons & Carols, that is! This Sunday at 11am, Dr. Frank Glass, the Choir, and wonderful instrumentalists will join together to bring Christmas closer.

“In those days, John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness…” Matthew 3:1
The central character of the Advent season isn’t Santa, or even Jesus. It’s John the Baptist. Everyone’s favorite weirdo.
The image we have of John (if we have one at all) is a bit cartoonish. He’s the guy who lives out in the desert, eats bugs, smells like a camel, and screams at the Pharisees.

‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink?’ Matthew 25:44 It occurs to me that some of the most caring and generous people I know don’t understand how unusual they are. They go through life with a natural sensitivity to what is going on around them. And not responding to an opportunity to give, seems unthinkable to them.

“When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones …Jesus said, ‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another.'” Luke 21:5-6

That’s not a great lectionary text to show up as we’re celebrating the start of the big roof project! But it is another reminder that it’s not our lovely and quirky building that matters, but the vital work of love that the building makes possible. 

I’ve been thinking this week about the ‘cloud of witnesses’ who have been part of my life, and the life of this church, over the past decades. So many beloved friends and family members who have died, but are still with me in an almost tangible way. And I’ve been feeling very grateful.

Finally, the season has come! I’m not thinking of the lovely Autumn weather that has indeed shown up, after a sizzling September and a too hot early October. And I’m not talking about the election season, God knows.

I’m speaking of the beloved annual pledge season, celebrated this time of year throughout Christendom. At this season, church communities all around the world start thinking and planning about the coming year, and figuring out how to meet whatever new challenges or opportunities may await.

This Sunday, in honor of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, we will celebrate a Blessing of the Animals during our 11am service. It’s a rare Sunday when we are not joined by a furry friend or two, but we hope this week to have many!