Dear Restoration,
Yet again, we find our cities in the headlines. Violence and fear strike our neighborhoods.
In the midst of darkness, the Church calendar shifts to Epiphany. We remind ourselves that in Christ, God’s will, love, and hope are made known to the whole world. The Light of Christ breaks through the darkness, and the darkness has not, and will not, overcome it.
This does not mean that violence and fear are gone immediately. The Magi who came to visit Jesus have to go home “another way.” The Holy Family flees to Egypt. King Herod kills the innocent. Yet despite all this, the mission of God moves forward unhindered, then and now.
As we reflect on these things, here are a few invitations for you…
Molly and I are gathering to pray for our cities on Tuesday at 7pm in the sanctuary, and we invite you to join us.
Consider taking home our Home Blessing liturgy to pray for your household and neighborhood. Invite your Table Group or neighbors over for a meal, and use this liturgy to pray through each of the rooms, seeking God’s protection and blessing. Perhaps offer to bless a neighbor's home. You can find Home Blessing liturgies available on the nametag tables.
We will be praying the Kenyan liturgy during our Sunday Worship. In our common prayer, we are connected with other Gospel Anglicans across the globe. You'll find that this liturgy is highly participatory, vivacious, and beautifully poetic. May you be blessed as we gather locally and globally as the redeemed People of God.
May Christ, the Son of God, perfect in you the image of his glory, and gladden your hearts with the good news of his Kingdom.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Rick
