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Musings
The Seasons are changing
Rev. Peter Faass | 09/09/2011
Dear Christ Church parishioner,
Memorial Day and Labor Day are human contrivances that bookend the season we call summer. If we were to adhere to summer’s actual dates we would start later and end later. Yet this past Labor Day it was uncanny how the weather changed from brutally hot and humid summer to cool, windy and damp autumn in a matter of just hours. Clearly fall has arrived, although as always, I am hopeful that September and October hold the promise of sunny, warm days before we need to face the reality of another Cleveland winter.
With the change in dates and temperature comes a shift in our parish life as well as we embark on another program year. As is true for most Episcopal parishes our size belies the programs we have planned; it is going to be busy both on the works and faith fronts! My prayer is that this year those in the congregation who have not yet discerned their ministry in the parish will make a focused effort to do so, because also like so many Episcopal parishes, most of the busy programming gets carried out by a small core group of people.
Sunday, September 18th is Homecoming Sunday. In addition to a wonderful liturgy, registration for Christian formation and festive barbecue following the 10:30 liturgy, there will be members of the various ministries of the parish wearing festive nametags naming the ministry in which they participate. If you do not currently participate in any ministry, please avail yourself of these emissaries and talk to these folks. Ask them about the ministry, what they do and how you might contribute to it. Trust me these are really nice folks and they will not bite you! As you speak to the person, be open to how the Spirit may be telling you how your gifts are needed or how you have undeveloped gifts that God wants you to cultivate to build up the Kingdom. And if you can’t hear the Spirit, speak to me. I am an expert in interpreting the Spirit’s call in people’s lives!
Some ministries that need some new energy and ideas that only newcomers can bring are the Outreach Committee, Christian formation, the Choir, Office volunteers, the Ushers and the DOK. The Altar Guild is also looking for one person (or two people to co-share) to be the director. And more than anything, we would love to get a Communications/Public Relations Committee organized and up and running this year at the parish. Want to know more? Ask me or one of the people on the 18th with the festive name tags. God and I will be glad that you did.
Also, please plan on coming to the 9/11 Service of Remembrance at Christ Church this Sunday at 7:30. This service will feature the combined choirs of Christ Church and Trinity Cathedral, an orchestra and members of Verb Ballets. Clergy from both congregations will offer prayers and readings. This event will be a solemn and beautiful service as we look backward and remember 9/11, but more importantly as we look forward to the future with hope.
In addition, our Sunday morning liturgies on September 11 will include prayers, some music and a homily reflecting the 10th anniversary of the attacks on our country. Please invite family, friends and neighbors to join us at one or all of the events that day.
I look forward to seeing you soon in the life of this marvelous family of faith called Christ Church.
Love,
Peter +
