Dear Friends,

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” (John 1:14)

This is one of those years that the Advent Calendar works perfectly as a countdown to Christmas. The first day of Advent is December 1. For many of us, we look at it as the period of time to check off the days to Christmas. For most of us, we are relieved when it is over so that we can get back to our normal routines. The month of December can be truly exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

What if we enter this season with a different approach? Kate Moorehead, the dean of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida, wrote the book “I Witness – Living Inside the Stories of Advent & Christmas”.  Moorehead suggests that if we are to draw closer to God, we must enter the story of salvation as a child, with our hearts and minds wide open. We must be willing to enter the story and live within it.

We all know the story of Jesus’ birth, but have we ever placed ourselves within the scripture to experience it? St. Ignatius of Loyola developed the spiritual practices of meditation and prayer that involve using the imagination to deepen one’s relationship with God. In her book, Moorehead uses this practice to draw us into the stories of Advent and Christmas.

My goal this year is to read this daily devotional and to experience the familiar story in a new way. My hope is to not count down the days for it to be over, but rather to embrace each day as a way to draw nearer to the One who loves us so much, he came to live with us. I invite you to join me on this journey.

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,

The Annual Meeting of Manakin Episcopal Church will take place on Sunday, November 17. All are invited to attend. We will be voting for three new Vestry members. Please review our candidates. We are very thankful for such a nice slate of nominees.

We give thanks to Traci Badin, Stephany Breed and Elisabet Goodwyn who are our outgoing Vestry members. They have served our community faithfully and we appreciate their service.

Who can vote?
According to Canon XVII Section 3 of the Constitution of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia – All adult communicants in good standing who are enrolled confirmed communicants of the congregation and regular participants in corporate worship. If you have a question regarding your qualification to vote, please contact me to discuss.

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1

With the nourishing rains come the change in seasons and cooler weather. Fall is finally arriving and with it many exciting activities in our church.

As we continue to grow in this liturgical season of Pentecost, I pray that we will hear and follow our “purpose under heaven” as individuals and as a community. I look forward to hearing about how God is speaking to you.

I am excited about our EYC (Episcopal Youth Commission) activities that are lining up for the year. Each will have a biblical basis, in reach, outreach and fun. I am thankful for Nicole Goots and Richard Sherman’s leadership and the gifts that they will be sharing with us.

On our Commissioning Sunday in September, we recognized our worship ministry leaders and teams. I am thankful for all those who stood during the services to be commissioned. As we know, the work of the church in the world cannot be done without the many who offer their time and gifts. At Manakin Church the numbers are plentiful, and we appreciate them very much!

I am thrilled to welcome back the choir and their musical gifts that enhance our worship. Although their contributions over the summer were great, there is nothing like having the full group together each Sunday. Their time and commitment under Rita’s direction are extraordinary.

Beautification efforts are being made to the grounds and we give thanks to Jean Hillsman and the Salisbury Garden Club for their work on our entrance beds and planted pots.

Under the great leadership of Kristen Hebert, our parking lot project and Denny Hall entrance are underway. We appreciate all that Kristen, Halsey Dillard, Angela Park, Gunnar Kohlbeck, Michael Walker and Jeff Lighthiser have done to bring forth these improvements. All this could not have been done without their efforts and the generous gifts of the financial donors.

Yes, we have exciting offerings coming up this fall. I hope that you will keep apprised of these through the Messenger newsletter, weekly eBlasts and bulletin notices. If you are not receiving all of these forms of communication, please let us know. This is our time and season!

Blessings,
Gini+