This Week at St. Paul's
Mother Michelle Walker
Dear St. Paul's Family,
Today, Thursday, is full of excitement as our new tenants, our "rectory family" as I prefer to call them, will be arriving later this evening to receive their keys and begin settling in. I bumped up the heat, checked for hot water, labeled some switches and locks, made a contact sheet, and prayed for the space that will become their family home (for at least 6 months). It brings such joy to know our beautiful home will BE a home again starting tonight. We thank God for this blessing, this connection, this opportunity!
I also found joy today in the beautiful, temperate weather ... and several hours of sunshine. My heart is happy with the news of a successful knee surgery for Wayne W. and a simple eye surgery for both Tom K. and Tom R. I've heard of at least two parishioners who have already had their first dose of the COVID vaccination and several more who are scheduled over the coming weeks. While I know a few vaccinations don't equal an abrupt end to this pandemic, it is definitely a step in the right direction. I find hope and peace in these regular moments that happen in the midst of an otherwise rather irregular month and year so far.
Truthfully, this next week is likely to be a tumultuous one in our nation. The FBI has learned of planned protests in each of our state capitals and with the impeachment hearings and the Inauguration right around the corner, we can be assured every single news station in the country will have something on which to report. It can truly draw us in, and down, if we let it. We find people wanting to 'set us straight' or 'argue with us' at every turn, regardless of what our political beliefs or stances may be.
This morning in our Thursday Bible study we were reading Colossians when we came upon this verse:
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth ..." (Col 3:2)
Of course this verse is wonderfully nestled in the context of other words of wisdom St. Paul had for the church in Colossae, but we stopped to reflect on just how vital these words are to us always ... especially now. We can not become so mired down in the actions of the world that we lose sight of our true belonging, our membership in the family of God. Nor can we negate that we live in this curious world.
So for this week, let us pray ardently for the righteous actions of our government as people on both side of the impeachment issue struggle to make right decisions. Let us pray that all protests are peaceful ones and that no one is hurt, no lives are lost. Let us pray that the Inauguration happens with none of the drama that is predicted. And let us pray that our nation can heal and be reconciled to each other in ways completely unfathomable to us in this moment. We must never underestimate the power of prayer. And prayer, my saints, begins and ends with each of us.
Be well my friends. Wear your masks. Stay safe. And PRAY!
Blessings!
Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226
28. In Times of Conflict (BCP pg. 824)
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us,
in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront
one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work
together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
17. For the Nation (BCP pg. 207)
Lord God Almighty, who hast made all the peoples of the earth
for thy glory, to serve thee in freedom and in peace: Give to
the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength
of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance
with thy gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who
liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.