“The final secret, I think, is this: that the words “You shall love the Lord your God” become in the end less a command than a promise.” - Frederick Buechner

The theologian Frederic Buechner died a couple of weeks ago and the above quote came across my small phone screen soon thereafter. I have read some Buechner but had never seen this particular quote. It reminds me of one of the Gospel passages from John’s Gospel I often read at funerals (which we will read at Clyde Sloan’s funeral on Saturday) where Jesus is talking to the disciples and tells them that he is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. He tells them that they know the way to where he is going. Thomas pipes up and says, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

It is wonderful to be back at Holy Spirit after my sabbatical! I am grateful for the opportunity to have intentional time away. I’m especially thankful for our Vestry and lay leaders and our wonderful staff who did a really great job taking care of our beloved Holy Spirit Church. I have been glad to hear from so many of you how much you enjoyed Erin Jean. She certainly enjoyed being with you this summer.

For me, this summer was a fruitful time of prayer and renewal. I was blessed with a lot of intentional time with my family. We explored new places, churches, books, museums, restaurants and eateries (especially ice cream shops!), and more.

Every morning I drink my coffee (or tea, if Ian brews it) from a mug that’s labelled “My Greatest Blessings Call me Mom.” I picked this mug up maybe 20 years ago in Marshalls – a bargain basement purchase that spoke to my soul.

The older I get (and that’s pretty old!), the more I realize the truth of that statement. Though certainly not children any more in the common sense of the word, our sons are in their fifties and one in his sixties. So, Ian and I have known them for a very long time, and they’ve blessed our lives with their beauty of their lives—their successes, the things they’ve learned, the grandchildren they’ve given us, and the companionship they constantly all provide. However, I have one more great blessing and that’s Holy Spirit Church.

Often life presents challenges and celebratory moments, both small and awe-inspiring, when we need a touchstone—a constant—that helps us navigate through and stay grounded in such times. Christians, of course, have their faith to turn to as their “constant.”

Back in the spring when I was given the slot in August to write a piece for Spirit Shot, my mind went back into school mode, and I toyed with a few pieces that would bring to light the excitement of back to school. Once I’d decided what to write, I put the writing aside and moved on into summer and plans to vacay with my granddaughters and bonding time together with all my girls. The trip was set, the tickets bought, the condo reserved, and all that was left to do was get on the plane and enjoy! That elephant was hiding and ready to step out at any moment, but I ignored it and was totally convinced our plans were meant to be.

I hope that everyone is surviving the heat and remaining Covid free!

When Josh asked Vestry members to take a week during his leave to write a Spirit Shot article, I chose one of the further dates to give myself ample time to produce something inspirational. All the previous articles have been heartfelt, insightful and a pleasure to read.

My husband and I are Emmanuel transplants and came to Holy Spirit by accident or as I like to say, “We are all where we are supposed to be.” Holy Spirit was such a welcoming place, and it was an easy transition.

My mind occasionally wanders (except during church or while my wife is speaking). This week at work, while experts discussed ways to decrease employee attrition levels in industry, my thoughts drifted to the recent images of distant galaxies captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. My wife sent me several photos and articles; the expanse of the universe never fails to amaze, delight, and perplex. The images just pull a person away from Earth.

My wife and I first attended Holy Spirit at the end of 2018. Following the service we were immediately met by Lisa Wright, then Sarah Condon, and finally Allison Nieto. They each offered no pressure, very genuine we are here for you and would love to have you in our church quick conversations. The following weeks we met other families that offered the same genuine welcome to our church introductions. It wasn’t a hard decision to make to call Holy Spirit our church home soon after.