Times of transition (like moving into a new church building) always involve both joy and sadness, because while we embrace the excitement of the new season, we must also say goodbye the season we are leaving behind. I think it’s important, then, that we be intentional in this new season about practicing both celebration and grief, joyfully welcoming the new and soberly feeling the sadness of what we are letting go.
Being intentional to both celebrate and grieve is one way that we can avoid the pitfalls of times of transition and instead embrace the opportunities for growth that such seasons provide. A key part of both grieving and celebrating is doing it together as a community.
To that end, I want to invite you to participate in three upcoming gatherings that will help us move into this new season in a clean and healthy way. The first and third gatherings relate to celebration, and the middle one relates to grieving, so it’s kind of a celebration sandwich I’m inviting you into. 🙂
First, please plan to join us for our first Holy Eucharist service in the new building this Sunday, October 6 at 10:30am, and then stay for the potluck afterward in the Parish Hall.
Second, I encourage you to carve out some time to join us for a workshop on Loving Yourself Through Grief on Saturday November 2 from 9am-12pm (click here for registration info).
Finally, mark your calendar for a special Sunday afternoon Celebration Eucharist with Bishop Jennifer on Sunday November 17 at 3pm. We’re inviting the whole diocese to celebrate all that God is doing among us, and I hope that many of you will join us to connect with others from other Episcopal churches and feel firsthand the generous welcome we have received.
I am so deeply thankful for all that God has done and is doing in our midst through your love and partnership in the gospel. I am filled with joy that I get to be a priest in this church. Let’s keep following Jesus together!
Grace and peace,
Fr. Ben
