 St Alban’s Episcopal Church Bolivar, Missouri Wednesday July 19 -A couple of notes -Last week and today  Last Saturday, Ryan Williams was ordained priest at the cathedral. On Sunday, he celebrated his first Eucharist at Christ Church, Springfield, where he has served as deacon for the last six months. He will be with us at St Albans for Eucharist on Sunday, July 30.  What, really, is God like? I have only eight weeks left as your priest. And I do worry that I have not conveyed clearly enough those things that matter most to me – or that seem to be at the heart of the Bible – from Genesis to Revelation. I worry that my own failings and frailties, my awkwardness and inabilities have made it harder for you to embrace the overwhelming love of God who desires nothing but good for you – for us – for all of creation. I am concerned that sometimes church business, church organization, and church politics look too much like their secular counterpart, robbing us of the heart of the matter – which is simply finding ways to live together and to worship together without confusion. But here is my word in a picture. I know this for sure. I so deeply hope you do, too.    The Seven Joys When I graduated from high school in 1965, it was with these women – plus two others. We seven were called “The Joys” – and we were. One has since died, one is unable to travel. For all of these 58 years we have remained close. But only since 2008 – when Carolyn was dying – have we all gathered every summer by design – spending several days together to laugh, tell stories, catch up on news, listen to each other, exchange fun, funny, and sometimes useful – gifts, pray together, shop, sit in the garden, rest, eat, and celebrate Eucharist together. After all those years there is nothing we do not know about each other – about our joys and sorrows, confusions and doubts; we pray for each other, and when there is a family death – we show up. And we do not take these meetings, or each other, for granted, which is why we schedule them a year in advance, and do not miss them, no matter what else comes up. We know life is short. And uncertain. We know we cannot guarantee that any of us will be alive next year when we are scheduled to go to Colorado Springs. And so we show up. Showing up. This is what community looks like – and commitment to God and to each other, and what, actually, the Church is – and is intended to be. And yes, we are still joyful. I hope that in your busy-ness, and even as you move away and make new friends, or begin to worship in another congregation, you will keep close those who have meant most to you – You will be grateful all your life for those long friendships. Your hope and trust and faith will be steangthened year by year. And your love. Cathy+  |
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