“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind.” – I Corinthians 1:4-5

This passage is part of the opening of Paul’s letter to the people in Corinth that we will read this coming Sunday. Paul opens with thanksgiving that the people of Corinth have been made new through the grace of God and enriched in every way. This resonates in me in unexpected ways because I would never think to describe myself as “enriched.” I might normally use words like comforted, supported, assured, and encouraged to describe what it feels like when I experience my faith growing through God’s love and grace. Enriched, on the other hand makes me think of extra “enrichment” classes at school, or the way that sugary cereals are enriched with nutrients to make them less unhealthy.

As I was reading today’s entry in this year’s Advent devotional by Chad Bird, something new occurred to me. We all know the part of the story where Mary was visited by Gabriel to tell her about what was about to happen - that she, a virgin, would have a child who was to be the Son of God. The moment that broke into my imagination this morning was the poignancy of that first kick that she felt when Jesus was in her womb. As a father, I have witnessed that there are many parts of pregnancy that take place before the first kick in utero, but when I could feel and see my children move in Sarah’s tummy it was a whole new reality. The moment when Mary first felt Jesus kick must have been a revelation unto itself.

This past week, I had the pleasure of spending time with two of our little ones who will receive communion for the first time this Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent. We had a great conversation and at the end I asked if they had any more questions. One of them asked me my thoughts on a conversation they’d been having at home, “Which do you like better, Christmas or Easter?” I’ve seen the sort of outcomes such hot topics can result in. Our family has ongoing food debates (I pray my preferences about to be shared don’t cause you to lose any respect for me!): Cookies or Ice Cream? (obviously cookies). Vanilla or chocolate? (without a doubt vanilla). Pumpkin pie or pecan pie? (clearly pecan pie is king of pies!). I just loved that this was the topic on which our new communicate was curious to know my thoughts – Christmas or Easter.

After officiating at a wonderful wedding for parishioners Evan and Catherine in Galveston last Friday, I woke up Saturday morning, packed up my clothes and robes, and walked out to my car in a short-sleeved shirt. When I moved here, I was told that if you don’t like the weather in Houston, just wait a minute, but the significant drop in temperature was still quite a surprise. Thank goodness for seat heaters!

Next Sunday, November 20th, we will gather at 5:00 for our annual Thanksgiving Eucharist and Dinner event. The turkey breasts are ready for our smoker. The fellowship team is prepped to make the gravy and dressing. The bulletin is prepared for the shortened service we will have around our tables to start. All we need are sides, deserts, and communicants…in other words, we need you to join us for the celebration! You will see below that if your last name starts with the letters A-P you are invited to bring a side and if your last name starts with Q-Z please bring a dessert.

There are so many wonderful things about having Holy Spirit Episcopal School as a part of our community. Trunk or Treat is a great case in point as so many of our kiddos dressed up and had fun together and so many parents, teachers, and staff hosted trunks. Sharing in the events of our campus brings a dynamic that is joyful and mutually supportive. To that end, please note that the Famfest Fall Festival that our school organizes for all our families has been moved back a week to November 11 due to expected storms this Friday.

Not long ago, I was with some of my fellow clergy and someone pointed out that church is one of the last places in our society where all the generations come together on a regular basis. I love looking out at you all at the beginning of the service every Sunday and seeing saints of all ages. I have also noticed over the years that it is common to look out and see someone who is not the parent of the baby they are holding or the child they are sitting with.

The relationships we form are a foundational gift of our faith. Jesus’ ministry was almost always lived out in the context of his friends and followers. When he sent the apostles out, he sent them in pairs. Church life is a clear reminder that we are meant to be together. I’m aware that so many of my articles point to how great it is to finally be back together after the pandemic. I haven’t yet moved beyond the basic relief of us seeing each other face to face, but it is certainly feeling ever more normal to gather.

As I look out my window at the beautiful weather, I can’t help but think about all those who are waking up today in Florida. Hurricane Ian was big enough to impact several people I know across the sunshine state, all of whom are ok but will have a long road ahead. We in Houston know what that is like and hopefully we will find the optimal way to help care for those affected in the days and weeks ahead.