A word from the Curate

Sitting down to write my “curate’s notes” I had to smile as I looked back on October.  You may recall that the month started with the blessing of the animals.  It was a glorious day filled with all sorts of people who wanted to honor the role their creatures play in their lives.  Those people brought hamsters and turtles in containers, ferrets and cats in harnesses, a plethora of dogs large and small who were all very excited to be here.  The menagerie grew to include a goat with a bottle and a beautiful horse with ribbons in her tail.  It was one of those days that God’s glory shines and let’s face it – we were here to in some way participate in the unconditional love that is part of God’s kingdom. 

We are continuing with the services of Evening Prayer on rotating days of the week.  In addition to a short service, we remember a particular person on the Church calendar.  Lately we have had a lot of “red letter” days that are special feast days in the church that commemorate apostles and evangelists.  The services have really been well – attended and it is so wonderful to see the various people who come out at night to be with one another, to worship together, and to learn more about Episcopal traditions. 

October is also Diocesan Convention month.  It is always rewarding to get so many Episcopalians together in Utah and to know that we are each just representatives of entire congregations.  I am one of those who also likes the ‘business’ end of the church.  I like that we make decisions corporately, that we put things to a vote and make things happen.  And by now you have likely heard how proud we are of our youth that attended.  They didn’t just ‘show up’ but they were informed about the issues, and were prepared to speak.  I know that there will be people who are raised in the church, who know our traditions (hey, there are kids here in the evenings too), who are becoming leaders through the opportunities given them in the church and when the time comes, they will be prepared to “go forth in to the world”. 

A core group of people has also been coming together Monday evening to plan the first annual Election Day Dinner.  We appreciate that there are people willing to step up to the plate to help raise money for our programs.  As we now approach the date, I hope everyone is thinking about participating through donating items, selling tickets and participating in committees. 

These things may all look like individual events but they all point to our live lived in common community.  Does that mean that we all believe the same thing?  Heavens no, part of the beauty of our being Episcopalians is that we recognize and appreciate our diversity.  It takes a certain strength of character to be firm in who you are without needing another person believe, or look, or behave just like you.  It takes a strength of character to be able to be in community, contributing to a common goal and good without losing yourself.  I tell you this is a lost art in the TV culture of partisan politics, separated families, an education system that values answers more than questions, and a gradual loss of arts to the win/lose word of competitive sports.  This church offers a unique place for you to be while you struggle with issues of faith and values.  It offers you a place to ‘be’ with other people, to share your life and experiences with others and to practice what it means to worship God shoulder to shoulder with those whom you do not always agree. 

May God’s peace be with you as we close down the long green season and welcome the quiet season of advent preparation.

Connie+

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