Happy Program Year!


This time of year is always full of activity with many of us returning to “regular” work or school schedules.  Hopefully the summer was full of time for relaxing and perhaps and an adventure or two.  Now we find a pattern of life that makes time for all of the things we want to do, including seeking God’s presence!  I pray that the time made for nurturing the Spirit will be beneficially in all the other parts of our busy lives.  And just like sports, school or a vocation, we only get good at it if we PRACTICE!

What are your HOLY HABITS?

Prayer – Taking time to pray, even for 5 minutes a day, has been shown to reduce stress and focus our minds.  It is the best time to get to know God, which requires us to listen as well as list all the things we want/need.  “Be still and know that I am God,” the Psalmist wrote.  As we get back to all our busyness, make sure to also make time to BREATHE!

Worship – It is important to gather with the larger community and offer our public witness to God’s presence in our lives through our worship.  And remember, it’s a celebration, so let’s make it one! Come and participate with other members of the congregation as we remember to all that Jesus has done for us, especially in the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

Study – It takes a lifetime to learn how to be a good disciple, or follower, of Jesus Christ.  From Sunday School to Adult Formation, we all need some time to learn the great stories of the Bible and how we can use the lesson learned from them in our lives today.  If there is something that you would like to know, ask me!  If there is something you would like to learn, let’s find time to offer a class.

Service – An important part of following Jesus is recognizing our need to sacrifice our resources, like time, to show others they are loved.  Join the group that goes to the Breakfast Program at St. Paul’s in Camden, help out at the Church Clean up day, or offer Coffee Hour one Sunday, to name only a couple of the hundreds of opportunities there are to love as Jesus loves us.

Rest – It is important to remember we are “human beings” not “human doings.” Make time to just be, although hopefully not on Sunday morning!  We cannot always be on the go without running out of gas. So plans for this Program Year take shape, remember to make time to be!

If these Holy Habits remind you of the Way of Love, it’s for a good reason!  These are not new ideas.  Our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry, wants us to reclaim the basic practices of our faith with the patterns that make our lives function well, just like a healthy diet and exercise.  A healthy Christian lifestyle that includes these holy habits will have physical, mental and spiritual benefits!

Looking forward to seeing you in Church!

In Christ,
Rev. Valerie+

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