Rector’s Ramblings...
The leaves outside my office windows are a brilliant red and gold. They are also falling at a rapid rate. Squirrels are working the ground for nuts and chasing each other up and down the trunks of pines and oaks. Fall is coming to an end and with it, a time to release a deep ‘whew!’ and reflect on the last few months.
A Rummage Sale was held in early September with the proceeds going to the budget for Children and Youth. We are blessed to have a combined EYC with St. Paul’s, thus, a ‘lock in’ at the Mediator assured many hands to help with the sale the next day… “Rally Day” was a joyous occasion and Mediorites reflected on the ministries of which they are a part. Sally Miles stepped forward and volunteered to be the Chairwoman of the Mediator BBQ. Nancy Boswell was right there to offer co-chair support. Needless to say, there were cheers all around at this news!
Later in September, the whole congregation was invited to participate in groups to discuss the future of the Mediator. Folks enjoyed getting to know new-comers or deepening already established relationships. Data from these meetings indicate that parishioners are deeply committed to their church and to providing for the Mediator’s future. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Bill Scaggs and Diane Panek for organizing these meetings and all those who hosted and facilitated our time together.
What joy as we celebrated God’s creation during the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in early October! Our procession in the Memorial Garden was filled with a variety of pets…most sporting a new and colorful bandanna…The rest of the month was devoted to planning for our ‘Celebration Sunday’ worship and feast. The food was fabulous and we are still receiving our ‘estimate of giving cards’ indicating tithes for the coming year. Even in this discouraging economy, Mediorites continue to be generous in their commitment to God and God’s church.
This is best reflected in the success of our Mediator BBQ. We started the month of November by firing up the ‘pits’ to smoke some 300 Boston Butts and serve around 1350 plates of BBQ. Add to that…a freezer bake sale, (including chocolate éclairs & sausage biscuits), bookstore profits, vendors, T-shirts, and a quilt raffle…and we netted $14,379.00 for Outreach in Meridian and Lauderdale County. Great organization, hard work and the grace of God made this one of the most successful BBQ’s in our 42 yr. history!
In the midst of all the business, Inquirer’s classes are being held and around twenty people are preparing for Confirmation by our Bishop in December. It is our faith and worship that has been our true sustenance during these busy months.
I confess to being a bit weary as I write this. Thus, the season of Advent in the life of our church reminds me to make time for rest, prayer and reflection. It is a time of quiet joy and anticipation. Soon, the trees out my window will be bare and the ground fallow until spring. The days are shorter now and my soul is in need of the same ‘fallow time’ the earth enjoys. My wish for my church family is a slower rhythm this Advent. May we all find nourishment for those weary places in our souls.
God’s Peace,
Helen+
