Hello everyone. This summer has reminded me of summers when my children were growing up - one day school was getting out, and, in a blink, school was starting up again. I am buying back-to-school shoes for my grands and slowing down in the school zones as the teachers prepare for next week. Horse camps and lake time have flown by. My intention is to get back to writing more faithfully.
Things are also off to a fresh beginning at my church. Our new rector preached and celebrated for the first time this past Sunday. She moved in July, along with her husband, who landed a job teaching middle school math, and their 9-year-old daughter. We are all so excited they have arrived. Yesterday, she joined our monthly meeting of the Daughters of the King (DOK) and we began talking about how she might call on the group to partner with her in ministry to the parish and beyond.
Two women in our congregation are going through the required discernment process to be formally admitted to the DOK in November. These friends are already mature Christians, so we are able to grapple with serious questions of faith as we join in their process. We have a safe space to discuss our doubts, stumbling blocks, and hopes. Yesterday's meeting had some storm clouds as we have several beloved members of the parish with undiagnosed complex illnesses, life-threatening health problems, trouble with the health-care system, and end of life spiritual needs. One of the main ways we can help is to hold these individuals and families up in prayer.
Lord Jesus, you knew the suffering of the human experience. Even you, Holy One, were not spared. Help us to pray. Help us to turn our loved ones over to your merciful care, as you know best what each person needs. Wrap your arms around those experiencing pain, fear, and frustration. Comfort and strengthen all caregivers. Energize your people to extend the hand of compassion and companionship to those on unwelcome journeys that we all must face at some point. Be our stronghold in times of turmoil.
Amen
We have four women going through discernment and it's such a special, meaningful time. It was exactly what I needed, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased you're off to a good start with your new rector. We've now been without for almost two months, but Jason is coming this Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist with us and get us started on the process. (Again! It doesn't seem that long ago we did all this!)