2009
November Grace Notes
Nov 01, 2009
Every day is day to give thanks; but, of course, the month of November holds a special day of thanks appropriately named Thanksgiving. On this day in particular we are reminded to count our blessings for all God has done for us. No matter our particular circumstances from year to year there is always something to be thankful for, and, many times, more to be thankful for than we can recount.
November is also the month in which we renew our pledges. Pledging our financial contributions to Grace Church is indeed another way to say thanks. By giving of our resources to the work of God we in a very tangible sense are enabled to say thanks to God for all he has given to us, for as we say in the Liturgy each Sunday, “all things come of thee O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.” Everything we have, everything we are and everything we ever hope to be is made possible by God’s gracious gifts to us, and it is then out of a spirit of gratitude that we give back to God.
As we give back to God, it is important to remember that this includes our time, talent and treasure. We pledge financially to the church each year it is true, but we have so much more to give . . . the giving of our time and talent as well. The Grace Church community is a wonderful testimony to this principle. As a parish family we are committed to saying thanks through giving . . . giving of our time . . . giving of our talents . . . and giving of our financial resources in the form of an annual pledge. Continue to say thanks by saying a prayer of thanks to God each day for everything he has given you, this month, and throughout the year.
Grace and peace,
Fr. Rod+
November is also the month in which we renew our pledges. Pledging our financial contributions to Grace Church is indeed another way to say thanks. By giving of our resources to the work of God we in a very tangible sense are enabled to say thanks to God for all he has given to us, for as we say in the Liturgy each Sunday, “all things come of thee O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.” Everything we have, everything we are and everything we ever hope to be is made possible by God’s gracious gifts to us, and it is then out of a spirit of gratitude that we give back to God.
As we give back to God, it is important to remember that this includes our time, talent and treasure. We pledge financially to the church each year it is true, but we have so much more to give . . . the giving of our time and talent as well. The Grace Church community is a wonderful testimony to this principle. As a parish family we are committed to saying thanks through giving . . . giving of our time . . . giving of our talents . . . and giving of our financial resources in the form of an annual pledge. Continue to say thanks by saying a prayer of thanks to God each day for everything he has given you, this month, and throughout the year.
Grace and peace,
Fr. Rod+
October Grace Notes
Oct 01, 2009
The service of dedication for the bell tower cross is coming later this month. The cross is a symbol of our faith in Christ and the symbol of Christ's life-giving sacrifice for us. The cross on our tower looks out over our community and stands as a reminder of our mission.
We will rededicate the cross on October 31 and as we ponder the mystery of the cross on this memorable occasion, let us also rededicate ourselves to what the cross stands for and recommit ourselves to the mission of the church. God calls each of us to fulfill this mission in different ways and ultimately only you and God can determine what this means for you; but, here also, we can take the example of Jesus as guidance as we move forward. Christ gave of himself for us and we are called to give of ourselves to others. Various types of service in the church and service in the world are certainly ways to give of ourselves. However, taking time for someone else along life's journey can sometimes be more meaningful than something done on his/her behalf.
Offering a word of encouragement, taking time to talk to someone we might otherwise pass by, or spending time with someone who just needs a listening ear are just a few small but important ways in which we can demonstrate Christ-like love and care to others in practical terms and show forth our reason for being as the church. Let us continue in our mission to reach forth our hands and hearts in love-the love of Christ.
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod+
We will rededicate the cross on October 31 and as we ponder the mystery of the cross on this memorable occasion, let us also rededicate ourselves to what the cross stands for and recommit ourselves to the mission of the church. God calls each of us to fulfill this mission in different ways and ultimately only you and God can determine what this means for you; but, here also, we can take the example of Jesus as guidance as we move forward. Christ gave of himself for us and we are called to give of ourselves to others. Various types of service in the church and service in the world are certainly ways to give of ourselves. However, taking time for someone else along life's journey can sometimes be more meaningful than something done on his/her behalf.
Offering a word of encouragement, taking time to talk to someone we might otherwise pass by, or spending time with someone who just needs a listening ear are just a few small but important ways in which we can demonstrate Christ-like love and care to others in practical terms and show forth our reason for being as the church. Let us continue in our mission to reach forth our hands and hearts in love-the love of Christ.
Grace & peace,
Fr. Rod+
Episcopal Priest 101: Some Installation Required
Sep 01, 2009
The language of the church can sometimes be strange, and the term "installation ceremony" when used for welcoming a new priest is certainly one completely inadequate to describe the deeply personal and spiritual festival that involves all members of the church, some with "key" roles as they come one by one to present the candidate with the tools of his work. Read More...
August Grace Notes
Aug 01, 2009
It's hard to believe that July has come and gone. Since we arrived in Carlsbad in early July, we have truly enjoyed every moment of our being here, and it is with thanks and gratitude that we also consider Grace Church our home and you our family. Read More...