As I spoke on briefly in my sermon this morning, the First Epistle to the church in Corinth was written to a fledgling Christian community, struggling to come to into its own identity with core theological understandings, values, organizing principles, and commitments—and situated within the context of a secular society based on extreme hierarchy exercise of power to maintain order.

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger people for the living of life! Do not pray for tasks equal to your gifts. Pray for the gifts to meet the work in front of you! Then the doing of your work will not be the miracle. But you shall be the miracle. And every day you shall wonder at the grace, mercy, love and power that has come from God through you into the world.”

Next week, this country faces a transition in government that will undoubtedly bring significant change and challenge. With you, I look ahead with a mix of emotions and a sense of uncertainty about what lies ahead, and also with a sense of resolve to do what is given us to do. We are called to uphold values rooted in our baptismal covenant, to clarify our commitments and priori-ties as a parish, and to strengthen our connections to one another in loving and mutually supportive community.

Each Sunday we pray for birthdays and milestones with words that begin, “O God, our times are in your hands…” These times we inhabit are fraught with difficulty and turmoil; and I often wonder what it really and practically means to have our times be in God’s hands.

Our Advent journey is now turning into the wonder of Christmas. Let’s keep walking together.  While all the details are further down in this email, I want to say a little bit about the coming opportunities to gather and pray.

During the past few weeks, I’ve been spending extra time with our Baptismal Covenant—in Youth and Adult Confirmation Groups, preparing families for the celebration of two baptisms (1:00 service on All Saints), and finalizing liturgies for Bishop Akiyama’s visitation to St. Michael’s (Sunday!).

This Sunday is Ingathering for our 2025 Annual Giving Campaign. During all services, I invite you to offer your financial pledges as offerings of thanks to God and to support St. Michael’s life and ministry in the coming year. If you will bring your pledge this Sunday, we will have a time at the Offertory for you to bring it forward.

Election Day is less than two weeks away.  On November 5, votes across the country will be cast and counted to determine who will lead in government at the local, state and national levels. There is so much on the line. We need to give voice to the weight of the moment, and also to our shared anxiety about an outcome that is uncertain. I feel it. And I know you feel it. 

Greetings from the Florida Panhandle!  Last night I was honored to be present and preach at the Celebration of New Ministry for a friend and his new congregations (Yes, plural, there are two of them!) in Panama City Beach.  It was a joyful reunion for several of us who studied together at the Seminary of the Southwest.  Now, I am looking forward to being back with you on Sunday.