Dear Friends,
I am a list maker and a goal setter. I love New Year’s because I take the opportunity to assess my goals from the previous year and to set new ones for the one ahead. Although I cannot fully check the completed box for all my goals from 2023, I am pleased with my progress and will keep them before me in 2024.

Top of my list in 2024 is to try to increase my observance of God’s creation and to provide better care where I am able. At the clergy conference this past fall, we had former Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori as our keynote speaker. Her science background laid the foundation for how we need to be better stewards of God’s gifts. At first, I could not embrace all that she was placing before us. Then I became overwhelmed by the abundance of need in our world. I concluded the conference by committing to do what I can do personally to make a difference. I have not turned into “Captain Planet”, but I have a far better understanding about how a little change can make a big difference.

Since the conference, I have limited my use of plastic water bottles and now drink from reusable bottles. I recycle more items. I use washable silverware instead of plastic when possible. When using disposable products, I try to use paper instead of plastic and dispose of it in a way that it will be recycled. I request paper bags instead of plastic in the grocery store when I forget to take my reusable bags. These are small steps, but one at a time I will strive to be better.

On January 27, the Vestry and I will meet to set our goals for Manakin Episcopal Church for 2024. We would love to hear from you as to what you feel that we should accomplish in the year ahead. In what areas do we need improvement? How can we be better stewards of God’s creation at Church and in our homes?

Happy New Year!

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,

“Advent creates people, new people.”   Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This year, Advent begins on the first Sunday in December on the 3rd. This is one of those seasons when we say, “Advent is short this year”. We have the unusual occurrence of Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday, so we observe the Fourth Sunday in Advent in the morning and Christmas in the evening. Although it may seem shorter, the number of days is the same to Christmas and our preparation needs to be intentional and prayerful as we await the coming of Christ.

You have heard me say many times that I love the rhythm of the church. Our liturgical calendar brings not only us, but the whole world around to a time of beginning again. We start a new church year and have the opportunity to prepare in a special way for Christmas. How well we do this will be an example to others.

How do we need to get ourselves ready to welcome Jesus into our lives? What needs moving or rearranging to make space for God and to make us a new people? Here are a few suggestions that you might find helpful as we wait.

• Set aside daily time for solitude, study and reflection.

• Keep an Advent wreath in your home to see the light burning. (We will make these at church on December 3.)

• Have an Advent calendar for daily observance and prayer.

• Turn the radio off while driving. Not hearing the noise of the world for a short time can be refreshing.

• Explore a new way of praying. (See me for ideas and suggestions.)

On December 24, the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle on our Advent Wreath that symbolizes peace. This candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.” During the week prior to this on December 20 we will observe “the darkest day” as a day of Prayer for Peace in the world. The church Nave will be open from 12 PM to 6 PM for those who would like to stop by to light a candle and/or say a prayer. Written prayers will be available.

Perhaps if our focus this year is on peace, internal and external, we might meet Christ on Christmas as a new people.

Blessings,
Gini+

The Annual Meeting of Manakin Episcopal Church will take place on Sunday, November 12. 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 Gunnar Kohlbeck, John Kochensparger and Hank Schepker 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+