The Light

Dearest Holy Comforter Family,
I returned from my month-long vacation full of new energy, anticipation, and joy at the prospect of being back home and with my church family. The past two Sundays have been wonderful for many reasons—in my absence, life at Holy Comforter had continued with graciousness, activities had gone well, and to a person, everyone was extremely complimentary of Lee and her work tending to this community in my absence. We had two great celebrations back to back (Charlie’s 90th and our Stewardship Kickoff Cookout) Both Sundays the music has been beautiful as ever and it has felt like the beauty of our church was new all over again for me!

Getting back in the rhythm of the workweek has reminded me that all of us work hard! I told Sherod, my husband, I felt like last week brought with it the kind of tiredness you feel at the end of the day when you start a new job! We have a lot going on with the start of Stewardship the budgeting process underway and all kinds of other events and activities in the works. I even started getting down to more detail about our plans for Advent! And we are looking ahead to the possibility of a new ministry for Holy Comforter that has great promise for serving our community in a new way. You will hear more about it in the coming weeks.

At the same time, all that good stuff was happening, I grew more and more aware that these days, we work in the midst of constant anxiety and concern for the larger world we are a part of. Elections are looming. The news, including about a shootout at a childcare center in Thailand, and the war in Ukraine, are enough to make anyone stagger under the weight of such pain and brokenness. I spent a month unplugged from it all and it didn’t disappear; the hard realities are still with us.

Before I left for Maine, I pasted a blessing written by Jan Richardson, to the inside cover of the journal I took with me. Surrounded by extraordinary beauty, I turned to it each morning during my time of prayer. It is only upon returning to the incredible complexity of “ordinary time,” that I have appreciated how it gently and with great clarity reminds us of our mission, day in and day out. We need to carry the light for each other as each of us keeps trying to bear the stresses and concerns that weigh so heavy. As a faith community, also can bear the light to help warm those who face great pain, brokenness, and darkness with relentless frequency.

Instead of signing off, I leave you with the blessing:

It’s not just for the Pandemic anymore …

 by Michael Paul

Did you know?

·      15-20% of our Average Sunday Attendance is online

Each week parishioners and newcomers unable to attend in person, join the service via Facebook Live. Some are out of town, some have moved away, some are watching from their hospital bed, some are even down the hall with an adorable child who is not very happy. Our digital usher/greeter, Randy Woodland, makes everyone who joins online feel welcome and a part of the Holy Comforter Family.

·      Randy Woodland has led more than 100 Morning Prayer services through Facebook Live since 2020

Randy’s dedication to this ministry is inspiring. Each Wednesday morning Randy leads “a short service of scripture and prayer,” with a dedicated following. In addition, he educates the viewers on many of the men and women celebrated on the Lesser Feasts and Fast Days.

·      More than 70 Compline services have transitioned many from a busy day to peaceful sleep

From Maine to Montgomery, Compline has been celebrated by various parishioners through Facebook Live. Recently, the choir has joined the service from the Holy Comforter Chapel enriching it with their musical talent and dedication.

Whether in person or online, the Holy Comforter Family is a diverse, loving community where everyone is welcome.

We are now gathering nominations for the upcoming vestry elections. If you would like to nominate someone (including yourself), please see Mary Lois Monroe or Steven Speaks to get an application form to complete and return to them. There will be a brief meeting on October 23, immediately after church, for anyone who has agreed to be a candidate for the election--this provides me an opportunity to review what serving on the vestry is like so candidates are able to make a final decision about running. Each candidate must submit a picture and bio to Terri no later than October 26 in order to allow us to meet the canonical requirement of publishing their information for the parish to review for 3 consecutive Sundays prior to the election.

The vestry elections for two positions will be held on November 20th in the nave, immediately after the service. If you have any questions, please see Mary Lois or Steven. 

Stewardship

Don't forget: you can either mail back your pledge cards or drop them in the offering plate on Sunday. Getting them back to us soon helps us do the work. of preparing a budget for 2023. Thank you!

Sunday, Nov. 6, 11:15 AM

This year we will honor loved ones by bringing our favorite framed photo(s) to place on a table; this way we can see them as their names are called. Afterward, we will gather in McMaster Hall and enjoy a delicious lunch — bring your (or your loved ones) favorite covered dish.

Please send Terri your name(s).

Thank you, thank you, thank you

The ASU jazz ensemble was a delight. The food was yummy. The babies in our midst this past Sunday melted everyone's heart! Some churches have a big celebration to mark the end of their Stewardship Drive. We do things a little differently here because we believe we make our commitments of time, talent, and treasure out of a sense of joy and gratitude, and a kickoff celebration like we just had reminds us of all the ways in which

we are blessed. 

A big thank you to the vestry members who cooked from early in the morning. An equally huge thanks to everyone who helped with set up and clean-up, not just this Sunday but also last Sunday after Charlie's birthday.

And especially, a huge, really huge, thank you to Terri who made both occasions seem effortless. Her indefatigable work behind the scenes and the long hours she gave, made all the difference. Terri, u da bomb!!!!

the Community Garden is looking and doing great growing lettuce, collards, tomatoes, peppers & okra.

for the Backpack program, backpacks, or bags, are packed with breakfast, lunch, and snacks, along with canned fruit and canned vegetables, and delivered to Fitzpatrick Elementary. Each Friday, the backpacks are given to students to take home for the weekend.

the Food Pantry is currently open on Tuesdays from 10-12. Our neighbors really appreciate the personal service and opportunity to choose the items that they want from our pantry.

Thank you for your support!

DATES to REMEMBER

Rosa at the dog park