November 9, 2022
It has been a busy fall at St. Andrews, enjoyable, fulfilling yet also demanding. As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, it is hard to believe the advent season is almost upon us
When things get busy, I tend to respond by putting my nose to the grindstone and focus on getting things done. But everyone can do that for only so long. And then it is time to rest. Over the last couple of weeks the scripture passage that visits me daily is from Matthew 11. Jesus says, come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls
When I was younger, I always thought that I could do it all - that I just needed to do more. Now with age comes hopefully a little wisdom. Rest is crucial. Rest does not mean you are lazy. Rest allows both the body and spirit to heal, to lean into the love that is God, to give oneself permission to let go and to simply be. Part of ministry is rest.
Barb and I will be resting this week. On Sunday, Wendy Paterson will lead in the service, and I thank her for her beautiful work among us all.
I will be back in the office next week.
How did you make out with the Christmas song riddles?
Here are the answers I promised:
Decorate the entryways - “Deck the halls”
This lad is a diminutive percussionist - “The little drummer boy”
Sir Lancelot with laryngitis - “Silent Night”
ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ - “Noel”. (This was the hardest one)
Wanted in December: top forward incisors. “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”
Next week I will have a few more for you
Take good care and know that for me it is a privilege to minister among you. You are a wonderful church and a beautiful group of people
Marty