From the RectorDear Parishioners and Friends, Life is a continuous process of learning. Sometimes, when I learn something or gain a new insight I become frustrated with myself that something that suddenly seems so evident to me took so long to comprehend. At this stage of my life, I find that learning often takes the form of subtle but important nuances. Pete and I recently returned from a road trip in our new Mini Countryman to my home state of Michigan. We made stops in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Walloon Lake, Mackinac Island, Niagara on the Lake, and Corning. This trip was the first part of sabbatical time that I have garnered over my seven years as rector of St. Mary's. In exploring my options, I landed on the theme of strengthening my connections with God, with other people, and with places known and unknown to me. As we drove across several states, I marveled at God's majestic creation. I saw vast farmland, forests, hills, rivers, and lakes. When we got to Michigan, I was vividly reminded of the warmth of the people of my birthplace, indeed, of the goodness of all of our fellow Americans. I felt connected to something bigger than just my immediate community, and proud to be an American. As we head into fall, it is my prayer that we strive to see one another as fellow Americans who all love our country and want what is best for it. I pray that we can make the effort (which always pays off) to get to know our neighbors, even when we disagree. Our country is vast, and so is its heart--let's not lose sight of that. "Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart and especially the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." BCP 823 Blessings,
Father Rick
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