Dear saints,
On Saturdays, Monica and I take the kids (kicking or screaming) out into nature as a reprieve from too much time cooped up inside. Recently we walked by the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers and I recalled how I had retreated there before starting as rector at All Saints’. As we passed a shady lane of magnolia trees, I remembered the deep sense of thankfulness I had felt on that retreat for our parish, anticipating the new opportunity that had opened up in my life.
This week I found myself returned to that sense of gratitude. Your generosity in this year’s canvass has been incredible. You are stepping forward with gusto to join the new Neighborhood Groups to connect with saints in your part of town. And just this past weekend, a family in Clarkston we are in friendship with through our Refugee Ministries program lost their home and we were able to come alongside, offer support, and they are now in a new home and stable again. Many will need our love and our care this year and we will continue to look out to the city to offer what we can while caring for one another as we make our way through this pandemic as one body.
The scriptures talk about the heart becoming glad – a beautiful image of what it is to know the grace of a loving God. You make my heart glad, and I hope this community of the faithful gladdens your heart also.
Peace,
Simon
