Looking Behind and Ahead in Hope
It is hard to believe that once we worship virtually on Ash Wednesday, we will have experienced all the major special observances of our liturgical year online. I can’t say that virtual services have gotten easier or feel more normal. I can say that I continue to pray for all of you daily. Many of you have gotten your first vaccine shot and I am so very hopeful that as we move towards the summer, we will begin to see normalcy on the horizon.
It was a truly joyful thing to share our Annual Parish Meeting this past Sunday. I said to someone that I am always happy when the Annual Meeting is over, not because it is behind us, but because a succinct experience of reflecting on all the ways God has blessed us in the past year is so joyful! I leave our Annual Meeting uplifted and encouraged. Every year I love hearing about how well our wonderful parish has served each other and our community and shared in meaningful worship, fellowship, and formation (even during the pandemic!). It is also amazing to dream together about what God has in store in the year ahead.
While this year has been different and hard in so many ways, the Church is still a hopeful and loving body wrapped up in wonderous grace. In whatever lays ahead, please know that we are here for you and we invite you to join us in caring for our neighbors. May God bless us and hold us close until we get to reflect on yet another year’s blessings (hopefully next year in person!)!
We love you and God loves you.