We Got a Wonderful Tiger by the Tail!

Dearest Holy Comforter Family,

 These past two weeks have been another whirlwind. In our last newsletter, you saw the pictures of our first time hosting the respite program of DATSMOM, the nonprofit organization in Montgomery that provides all kinds of support and services to families with children on the Autism spectrum. I jumped from that into preparing for our annual vestry retreat and the Annual Meeting the following day. Tomorrow (Tuesday 1/31) I go to Birmingham to visit an arts program similar to what we hope to build here and Thursday I truck it up to McDowell for Diocesan Convention.

Yesterday, when I got in my car after the service, annual meeting, and chili potluck, I was exhausted and exhilarated. There was such positive, joyful energy in McMaster Hall as we did the work of the church and then ate, like the good Episcopalians we are. While we wait to hear if, in fact, Holy Comforter will play some kind of part in the life of All Saints moving forward, and as we continue to do the work to build up our new Community Arts Center program, what we have right here, right now, that is what brings me the greatest hope and joy. I shared the following with the congregation yesterday morning:

“This year finds us in a remarkably different place. I’ve said enough about the renewed, self-directed discernment process that brought us to embrace the possibility of starting a new community arts center. We hope to serve those who are cognitive and neuro-divergent in our community. Y’all know last week we hosted the first respite event. We are well into writing articles of incorporation and by-laws because we need to have an independent 501(c)3 in order to go after different kinds of funding to take this program as far as possible. There were so many other good things that happened last year, old and familiar, new and exciting. I could spend 20 minutes just thanking everyone that has stepped up and stepped out to keep us going. Sometimes the grace has been in tiny efforts. No year has gone by without Charlie Thomas offering to help tally numbers from our registry book. That generosity is invisible to just about everyone and it is also a pure gift to the staff and me. You can’t imagine how much Roy, Randy and Haynes have done to keep up our facilities and make improvements. On Saturday morning last week, Zola was here doing flowers and when she finished, she stopped by the kitchen. The crew preparing for respite event was already scurrying to get the snacks all ready for the 20 children we’d receive in the early afternoon. Zola made the mistake of asking if she could help and quick as an eyeblink she’d become the popcorn lady. Kathy Barrowman keeps track of Judith, which is no small thing as Judith’s health fails and she becomes more frail. This just scratches the surface but know that I see, I am deeply moved by, I am so filled with hope and joy for the future, by everything so many of you do to keep us going.”

Along with running like a chicken with her head cut off, I am also finally learning to pay attention to taking care of my own health and well-being. It is lunchtime Monday and when I finish this piece, I am heading back to Lowndesboro to take the afternoon off. My chicken empire is doing well. The only setback has been that I had mail ordered 8 little girl chicks back in October and 8 little chicks arrived safe and sound. But right before Christmas, something unexpected happened. On that bitterly cold day before Christmas Eve, I went to the coop somewhat scared that they might not have survived the cold.  Well… They were all just fine and dandy. However, one of them gathered itself up, tried to look haughty and let out the sorriest, most tender, most croaky crow I have ever heard. Turns out I got 7 girl chickens and 1 rooster in the making! I’m working with Buckie, following some tips from others about how to teach a rooster some manners and help him understand he is not the boss of me.  The time outside with the chickens brings me closer to the earth. It is humbling, how much chicken p@^p I have to shovel and humility and an ability to laugh at myself is essential as your priest. On sunny days, I sit out by the chicken yard just watching all those silly, beautiful critters figure out what it means to be a chicken, I pay attention to the trees, and the sky, the small signs that spring is on its way, and I am renewed and restored, prepared for the next challenge.

Yep, our church has a wonderful tiger called 2023 by the tail and it is going to be a happening year. By God’s grace and infinite providing, we have each other, and his Son, and all the cloud of Saints and Witnesses urging us to move boldly into this year. I can’t wait to be in the heart of its unfolding. With prayers of blessings for joy, peace, and Great, Great Big Enormous hope and trust in God who calls us beloved. Rosa+

Tending to our hearts & spirit

Events, programs & updates

the Backpack program is currently serving food to 25 children,

delivered weekly. Donated food items include (pudding cups, small cans of stews, soups, or pasta, cheese/peanut butter crackers, snack bars, etc...)

Please leave donations in the basket outside the front office window.

FEBRUARY

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Watch over thy children O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand; comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and in their heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Birthdays

Terry Seanor, Justin Bryan, Julia Neeley, Maurice Semler,

Walter Alvarenga, Joe Albree, Joe Hodges, Julie Speaks

 Anniversaries

Susanne & Kevin Trest, Sharon & Don Garrison