Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
The Lord said to Moses, "I will do the very thing that you have asked; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name." Moses said, "Show me your glory, I pray." And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim before you the name, 'The Lord'; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. (Exodus 33: 17-19) This coming Sunday's Old Testament lesson is quite "revealing." Moses receives what we often view to be a rare opportunity; he physically encounters God's presence. Yahweh is unwilling to show his face to Moses, perhaps knowing that Moses wouldn't be able to handle it. Nonetheless, God's glory passes by Moses in an effort to demonstrate to him and the Israelites that God will continue to travel with them in their shared exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. I imagine that it would indeed be a death-defying event to physically and directly encounter the Creator of the universe. It is at times terrifying to think that we can experience the God who we believe to be the divine force responsible for our birth and the world in which we live. That being said, God is not only omnipotent. God is immanent, right here in our midst. The incarnation of God in Jesus Christ as well as in the world around us provides captivating moments to recall just how awe-inspiring life is, even in the midst of our confusion, anxiety, or boredom.
 This photo of Grayson reminds me of just how close God is when we bother to take a look. Melanie and Garyn Evan's son is not to be confused with The Divine. I'm guessing they would readily agree with my assessment. :) Nonetheless, gaze upon the wonder, joy, and humor in his expressions. Is God's glory somehow not to be witnessed here? Keith Rutowski, the talented young photographer of this photo, is not the Creator God that we profess our faith and fear in either. However, his creative talents, along with ours, are reflective of the extraordinary gifts that God invites us to share with one another. Here's a hope that you'll "see God" in some sort of approachable and delighting manner today and throughout this week. Perhaps our common worship with one another is such an incarnational moment for you. Perhaps sharing your own treasures with the people at the Community Supper is when and where you best encounter The Divine through the presence of others. Whatever the moment may be, may you be fully aware of the truth that God continues to share blessings and Grace with you in life's most confusing, inspiring, and ordinary moments. Blessings Along The Way, Jim+ |
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Blessing of the Animals
Speaking for myself, I had a wonderful day and a joyful time last Saturday down in Sayler Park. It's terrific to meet new people while sharing beautiful weather with parishioners from both St. Luke and St. James. I blessed some wonderful animals too!
 | | Jim and "Boo" |
Bonny Woodrum has created a wonderful photo album for everyone to enjoy. Take some time to enjoy her gifts here. As I mentioned earlier, Keith Rutowski also captured some wonderful photographic moments from the day. One of our especially special guests was Elsie Schummer's beloved pet "Charlie."
 | | Charlie |
He's happily living with the Griffiths and their dog, "Tripp."
Thanks to Anisa+, Betsy, John, Anne, and all of the other people who made our first "Blessing of The Animals" at the Sayler Park Harvest Festival such a success. I'll strive to get some more pictures up on our webpages in the weeks ahead.
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Saturday 9 AM - Parish clean-up. (Please contact Anne and let her know how you are willing to pitch in. Yummy breakfast is part of the gig!)
Sunday 8 AM - Rite I Eucharist
Sunday 9 AM - Sunday School - Feasting on the Word curriculum for children and youth begins.
Sunday 10 AM - Rite II Eucharist - Pls. welcome and worship with Anisa+ as she serves at St. James' altar this Sunday.
Jim is away from Oct. 13-16 in Arizona presiding at a wedding and checking in on his mother. Please contact Anisa+ if you have any emergency pastoral concerns during that timeframe.
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Saturday and Sunday - Oct. 22 and 23 - OctoberBlest and Celebration of St. James' Feast Day -
5 PM Saturday - Rite II Eucharist at St. Luke's
6:30 PM Saturday - OctoberBlest Meal and Music (Pls. RSVP to Karen with the number of persons in your party for the delicious dinner)
We will provide rides to the dinner, for those parishioners who are unable to drive to the event. Please let Anne Griffiths know if you need transportation.
10 AM Sunday - Feast Day of St. James - Special Music and Message
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Check out our Picasa Photo Gallery
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