A Dose of Joy & Hope

Dear Saints,

I am grateful for this last week of praying, studying and planning.

It was helpful to have time to work on our annual All Saints Calendar that we will be publishing with 2025 dates soon, forthcoming bulletin updates to make it more welcoming to people who are new to the Episcopal Church, and prep for Advent and Christmas.

I also enjoyed getting to spend some time with Brian McLaren’s “Life After Doubt.” It helped articulate why what we have at All Saints — as an inclusive, open-minded, open-hearted community, following Jesus in the Way of Love — is so unique and needed. I sense us being ready to step even more into our identity and sense of calling as we prepare to welcome those who feel disillusioned by many present forms of Christianity and religion.

Coming back on campus today, I was thankful to see how the Outreach ministries continue to be a beacon of light. Every time I pop in even for just a few minutes, I leave feeling uplifted. The goodwill and care you see in the people volunteering, donating or utilizing the services gives a solid dose of joy and hope. One such example is the little volunteers from the Montessori school across the street who brought over donations today for the Woodstock Pantry and helped store items (pic below). We so appreciate their compassion and generosity!

Coming up this Sunday, we have Grubby Sunday Part 2: Leaf Raking. Wear you boots and warm/waterproof work clothes and stay for the fun after the 10:15am service if you can. And then at 1:00pm, The Episcopal Diocese of Western Oregon's Task Force for Palestinian Human Rights is hosting a presentation in the Parish Hall. Feel free to bring a bag lunch if you are staying for the presentation, which you can find more info about below.

Blessings to you all this weekend in the ways you live and love.

In peace,

Andria+