From the RectorDear Parishioners and Friends, The term "biblical" has been used a lot in the last few days. Eerie images of an orange New York City conjure up memories of the days before air quality regulations gave us the bright blue Manhattan skies that we have come to love. Indeed, yesterday New York's air quality was ranked the worst in the world. One of the things I enjoy about living in Tuxedo is the pristine nature which surrounds us. When I check my weather app each morning, I always look at the air quality index, which is usually in the deep green range, around 12. The forecast is almost always "Good, which is similar to yesterday at this time." What a shock it was to see our air quality yesterday evening in the deep maroon range at 333, according to airnow.gov, which is considered "Hazardous." Today at least we can see the sun, but the air still smells of smoke. Many outdoor activities are cancelled, and we urge everyone to stay indoors if possible. The smoke will clear, eventually, but I hope that we remember this for a long time and bear the lesson in mind that environmental catastrophes in one remote area can have damaging effects on millions of people hundreds of miles away. It is incumbent upon all of us to be good stewards of this planet, which seems to be more and more fragile. The earth and the life it sustains are gifts from God which must not be squandered. O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP 828 Blessings, Fr. Rick
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