From the Rectory - November 3024

From the Rectory
Judging by the blankets of leaves covering the lawns,fall is in full swing. And what a busy month we have  ahead! We need to adjust our clocks and “fall back” this weekend; we might attend a local concert or two (there's a marvelous pianist playing at the Palace on Saturday and the Plateau Women's Chorus isnperforming Sunday at First Methodist Church);younhaven'tnparticipated in early voting, don't forget to exercise your right on Election Day. This is all scheduledNovember 1st is All Saints’ Day and it's also the first day of el Día de los Muertos (the Day Of The Dead). It wasn’t until I saw the Disney movie “Coco” that I had more than a passing inkling about el Día de los Muertos, which is a Mexican celebration of life, not death, remembering rather than forgetting our deceased loved ones. I didn't know what an ofrenda was, although I'd heard of sugar skulls. It has evolved into a blend of old traditions and more modern trends, such as the elaborate skull makeup worn for the event. Growing up, I wasn’t accustomed to even talking about family members who had passed — it seemed super morbid to me, because it wasn’t what we did.
To be honest, I should have had a double opportunity, with both Protestant and Catholic-influences in my life, as well as a Mexican grandmother! Not to mention we faithfully attended
church and wholly believed the promises of Heaven, we just didn't — in our house — talk about our dead. But whether you observe All Saints' Day or el Día de los Muertos, we have a day dedicated to the lives of the departed. Nonetheless, I now have a different perspective than
I did as a kid. The church with which I identify has sacraments especially for our ancestors, and this coming Sunday St. Raphael’s will recognize those whom we have lost. Other area churches also have remembrances planned during their worship services. The big takeaway here is that death is not final! A major tenet of our faith is that we will join our Lord in glory after we die. We have this assurance in our scriptures, in the lyrics of our hymns, as well as our individual personal experiences feeling the holy spirit’s presence.
A young couple we know in New Mexico set up a display in their home for the loved ones they hav lost, including our Lansden. Michael said, “I left for a few hours this afternoon and came
back to this amazing gift. I had a shrinemade for loved ones that passed but
Emily took it to a whole new level. It has to be one of the coolest and most special things anyone has done for me. I can't express the way it made me feel. I love everyone in these photos — treasure what you have and honor the ones that passed.”What a beautiful sentiment! This sweet little family is thoughtful and appreciative of one another. What a wonderful example they're setting for their children.
Which brings us to gratitude — November in the United States is all about Thanksgiving. While we might enjoy visiting with relatives, cheering our favorite football teams, or getting caught up in
holiday parades, parties, and pandemonium (think Black Friday) let's take a beat to express our thanks for the blessings we have, those with whom we share them, and the ones who touched our lives and now watch over us and wait for our heavenly reunion.
In Hebrews 9:11-14, we learn we are redeemed through Christ's blood. 9:11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 9:12 He entered once for all into the holy place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

9 :13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of
the ashes of a heifer sanctifies those who have been defiled so
that their flesh is purified
9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify
our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

Regardless of our unique traits or shared traditions, no matter who wins the Bowl Game or the election, we ultimately are connected to one another during this life and into the next. It's natural to mourn ourmlosses, but as Christians we also rejoice in themcertainty that one day we WILL be reunited with our friends and family.
Have a blessed November! to take place before Veterans Day! So, wemalso offer our most sincere thanks to those who
have served in our Armed Forces.

November 1st is All Saints’ Day and it's also the firstNovember 1st is All Saints’ Day and it's also the first
day of el Día de los Muertos (the Day Of The Dead). It;wasn’t until I saw the Disney movie “Coco” that I had more than a passing inkling about el Día de los Muertos, which is a Mexican celebration of life, not death, remembering rather than forgetting our
deceased loved ones. I didn't know what an ofrenda was, although I'd heard of sugar skulls. It has evolved into a blend of old traditions and more modern trends, such as the elaborate skull makeup worn for the event.
Growing up, I wasn’t accustomed to even talking about family members who had passed — it seemed super morbid to me, because it wasn’t what we did.
To be honest, I should have had a double opportunity, with both Protestant and Catholic
influences in my life, as well as a Mexicanmgrandmother! Not to mention we faithfully attended
church and wholly believed the promises of Heaven, we just didn't — in our house — talk about our dead. But whether you observe All Saints' Day or el
Día de los Muertos, we have a day dedicated to themlives of the departed. Nonetheless, I now have a different perspective than
I did as a kid. The church with which I identify has sacraments especially for our ancestors, and this coming Sunday St. Raphael’s will recognize those whom we have lost. Other area churches also have remembrances planned during their worship services. The big takeaway here is that death is not final! A major tenet of our faith is that we will join our Lord in glory after we die. We have this assurance in our scriptures, in the lyrics of our hymns, as well as our individual personal experiences feeling the holy spirit’s presence.
A young couple we know in New Mexico set up a display in their home for the loved ones they have lost, including our Lansden. Michael said, “I left for a few hours this afternoon and came
back to this amazing gift. I had a shrine made for loved onesthat passed but
Emily took it to a whole new level. It has to be one of the coolest and most special things anyone has done for me. I can't express the way it made me feel. I love everyone in these photos — treasure what you have and honor the ones that passed.”What a beautiful sentiment! This sweet little family is thoughtful and appreciative of one another. What a wonderful example they're setting for their children. Which brings us to gratitude — November in themUnited States is all about Thanksgiving. While we might enjoy visiting with relatives, cheering our favorite football teams, or getting caught up in holiday parades, parties, and pandemonium (think Black Friday) let's take a beat to express our thanks for the blessings we have, those with whom we share
them, and the ones who touched our lives and now watch over us and wait for our heavenly in reunion. In Hebrews 9:11-14, we learn we are redeemed thro  Christ's blood.
9:11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation),
9:12 He entered once for all into the holy place, not with the:blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer sanctifies those who have been defiled somthat their flesh is purified,
9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!
Regardless of our unique traits or shared traditions,mno matter who wins the Bowl Game or the election, we ultimately are connected to one another during this life and into the next. It's natural to mourn our losses, but as Christians we also rejoice in the certainty that one day we WILL be reunited with our friends and family.
Have a blessed November!