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    •  From the Director

      November 1, 2024

      Beloved of God, grace & peace to you!

      The months seem to be rolling by ever so quickly; before we know it, we will have arrived at that season in the liturgical calendar, that I love most – Advent!

      As I think about what Advent means – the aura of anticipation and longing that always seem to attend the season, I invite you to join me in a time of reflection, on some of the hymns of the season. Again, it may be a personal bias, but Advent hymns are among the most lyrically poetic, with haunting melodies that are at one and the same time sad and beautiful.

      Join me, therefore, on the Mondays of Advent (December 2, 9, 16, & 23) when I shall share thoughts on the theology and spirituality of some of the hymns we sing during this special time, but perhaps without much thought given to the message behind the lyrics, and consequently, what we affirm by singing them. These reflections will be posted here, on this site, so be sure to visit often and to share your comments, questions, and thoughts, about what you read. I look forward to your presence and participation.

       I am inviting you also, to use this platform and/or our WhatsApp group, to share your thoughts on the dwindling numbers in congregations, across the diocese. What do you think for example of the fact that vocations to full-time ordained service, has for some time now, been on the decline. Does the Supplementary Ministry Training Program have a role to play in dealing with this very challenging issue; if so what is it, and if not, why? What images does the designation bi-vocational minister conjure up for you?

      I look forward to reading your comments and recommendations. In the meantime, allow me to share words of wisdom for your further pondering, from…you guessed it, my favorite spirituality guru – the late Henri Nouwen.

       

      The Great Event of Salvation

       

       

      To live a life in the memory of Jesus Christ means first of all that that memory is a healing memory. How does the memory of Jesus Christ heal? The memory of Jesus Christ heals because it lifts up our small life and brings it in connection with a much larger event. As Christians, we are participating in a memory that goes far, far back to that great moment when God himself entered into history and shared the human condition. When our little history can be connected with the great history of salvation a tremendous change starts taking place because our little pains and our little joys are no longer just little pains and little joys but they point beyond themselves . . . to a great event of salvation of which we have become a part. . . . Our lives can be healed by the memory of the incarnation and the story of salvation.

       

      Blessed love,

       

      Grace+