November 9, 2025
Dear All,
It is chaos at the office today – concrete truck in the parking lot pouring cement to create our new heated snow melting pad – electricians drilling holes and installing wire for a switch that will control the snow melting pad – the Bishop coming to park here so she can testify across the street – and thousands of folks with their buses at the Capitol lawn for a Right to Life protest – and the internet is down while Theresa’s computer doesn’t work at all! Yikes! But . . . . this too shall pass.
On Sunday, joining us as guest preacher from the Diocesan Staff is The Rev. Canon Sister Veronica Dunbar, Canon for Spirituality and Race (Sister Vee). One of her areas of responsibility includes creating and implementing our Diocesan Anti-Racism training. Perhaps you are unaware that all parish leadership must engage in this training – our Vestry is completing its training this Sunday, when Sister Vee will lead a conversation during our coffee hour. Although the Vestry had readings they needed to complete before this Sunday, everyone is invited to join in the conversation. I suspect you’ll learn something along the way and Sister Vee is quite good at facilitating conversations, particularly around issues of racism.
Next week, we will have our pledge card in-gathering and give thanks for your financial commitment for next year. I know we are in uncertain times – that seems to be the same mantra we’ve heard for the last decade or so, at least since I walked in the door in 2013. Yet, St. Paul’s continues to do the ministry God asked us to do, and I trust this community will continue on for years to come. But it does require your money and mine, and I know that God will provide. Much of our readings from the Hebrew Scripture talk about this trust in God’s provisions and abundance, particularly in dark times. The same holds true for today.
The world needs us, and we need each other. Let’s continue to give God thanks for all that we have. Let’s offer prayers for these gifts and also for those who are struggling to find food, housing, and security. There are many going without food at this time. We have our new partnership with Advent House to provide baby formula, which has become outrageously expensive. Next time you go shopping, if you can, pick up some dry formula; it doesn’t matter what brand or kind. We are collecting this in the copy room.
Say your prayers. Love your family and friends. And be good to yourself.
Blessings to you and yours,
Karen+