The fall is upon us and October will call us to don sweaters and contemplate evening fireside chats. The earlier nightfall will encourage most of us to put on our slippers and give up forays abroad in the dark. It is hard to imagine what life was like for Jesus in a world without electricity and running water. A light in the darkness was truly appreciated and the proximity to a fire was a blessing.

While worship may never be conducted exactly the way it was prior to the pandemic shut down, some practices are representative of our theology and are worth re-establishing while new practices become part of our “new normal.”

The term “hospitality” refers to the relationship between a guest and a host. If you invite a friend or family member over to your home for dinner, for example, you’ll perform hospitality by accommodating the guest’s needs. Hospitality is understood to be the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

So much to celebrate!

As we bid farewell to March we also complete the Lenten season on APRIL 9th.

We are in the liturgical season of EPIPHANY for the entire month of February. Some years there are only a few weeks between 12th Night and Lent, and this year we have a rather significantly long season of Epiphany which began January 6th and will continue to March 1st. 

It’s not uncommon for people at this time of the year, in addition to making resolutions, to compose a mental wish list. As we turn the page of the calendar and think about what the future may hold, we have some, often specific, ways that we would like for it to unfold.

Gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress and drastically improve our overall level of health and well-being. November is truly a time of giving thanks in which we want to reflect on the gratitude we can express towards those involved in our lives.

October is upon us with the several remembrances that the Fall season brings. This first Sunday is a celebration of World Wide Communion – the transnational citizenship we share with the global Kingdom of God.

The Summer season is about to end. Vacationers will leave our communities to return to their occupations. Some of us will miss the activity of summer and others will sigh in relief. Beaches will allow parking and roads will be less crowded – we hope.