December 2016
From the Rector’s desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II
Happy New Year! The last Sunday of November was our liturgical new year with the start of Advent. This year I’m looking at Advent themes with a new set of eyes. What does it mean to be watchful? What does it mean to be prepared? What does it mean to be filled with hopeful anticipation? What does it mean to be faithful and obedient? And more specifically, if life isn’t matching up with these themes, say medically, or familially, or financially, how can we BE the things that Advent asks us to be? The worries of this life don’t always fit in with the liturgical calendar, do they? Oh yes, sometimes the gospel message is right on point and the priest hits the nail on the head with his sermon and it’s just like it was all providentially tailored to us as individuals. Those are great days. But what happens when the priest is talking about hopeful anticipation, and our bills are just too much for us? Or we have medical problems? Or work is just so crazy we’re not sure what’s going to happen next? Or family problems are mounting and the stress is just too much to bear? Well, I think that’s when we need to listen and pray even harder. Problems come and go. That’s the way life is. But maybe, when we’re having those problems, maybe something like hopeful anticipation is something that we need to try to actively cultivate. Sometimes problems are out of our control, and we all hate that. There’s nothing we can do but trust in the one that made us. The Advent themes of faith and obedience come to mind. But then some problems are within our control and the Advent theme of preparation comes to mind. Suddenly, Advent seems like just the thing we need in our lives, when we spend a few minutes examining those themes. It’s not so far removed from our daily lives as we thought upon first examination. So, when the Gospel calls you to be watchful, what does that mean for YOUR life? When Isaiah and John the Baptist say “Make straight the way of the Lord”, what does that mean for YOUR life? When Mary tells the angel, “I believe you. I obey.” What does that mean for YOUR life?
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden Jim Warner- Junior Warden Beth Woods, Susan Early, Ann Philen & John Velaski Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
These themes don’t come to us from a vacuum. They mean something even today. They are applicable even today, even though we’ve heard them so many times before. They’re helpful, even now. So take some time this Advent to think about what they mean for you. It may make all the difference. Peace, Anthony+
Party
& Greening the Church Sunday, December 18 4 pm until
Come help us make flower arrangements for the windows and altar, decorate the tree and hang the evergreen boughs! Then stay for our Annual Christmas Party after. Don't forget to bring a covered dish for the Christmas Party!