Beloved Members of St. Martin’s,
I am hoping you all have been having a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving was special because for the first time in a couple of years, we had all three of our children here with us. Even if it was due to last week’s burial of my mother, I know she would have been pleased that we spent the rest of the week together.
My Thanksgiving Day was so relaxing that I did something on Friday I haven’t done in years: I actually left the house and ventured into a couple of stores—grocery stores, mostly, in preparation for today’s cold and snow. Last year we were in New Zealand for Thanksgiving—and I learned that “Black Friday” sales are a huge deal in New Zealand and all around the world—even though there is no Thanksgiving holiday in front of it elsewhere. So weird—but not unexpected, I guess.
I was happy that most people seemed to be patient, cooperative, and kind, even with long lines and full parking lots. But I wasn’t unhappy to get home again.
After all that hustle and bustle, I encourage you to try to enjoy the countercultural beauty of the Advent season as much as you can. I hope you can spend each week carrying the light of each week’s Advent candle theme in your heart (see below), reflecting on the hope, peace, joy, and love that are really the reasons for this season, as we ponder how great God’s love is for us, to give us God’s son to walk alongside us as an example of how we all can live a God-shaped life.
Starting Sunday afternoon, I am going on retreat for a week to decompress, and then I will be having a basal cell carcinoma removed from my lower eyelid, which will require some rest and care given its delicate position. If you have any pastoral emergencies, the Rev. Lisa Corry, rector of Grace Church Kirkwood, will be available to take your calls. Her phone number is provided in the announcements section of the Sunday bulletin.
During Advent, the 505 returns to its emphasis on Celtic prayers. If you feel the need for a little “quiet time” during this busy season, coms join us Saturdays at 505.
May this season refresh you and your faith!
In Christ,
Mother Leslie+