Dear Friends,
It is summer in Austin and it is hot! What is new? Well, I am enjoying the quieter mornings that start slower. School is out for our kids so their days start later. The hustle and bustle of the Day School is hushed for a few months. We in the church office are able to work in a bit less harried fashion. I continue to find 20 minutes a day for silence, just being quiet, as one mystic said, “practicing the presence of God.” I trust that each of us this summer will find some peace, some respite, from the demands of life. A church is, in some ways, meant to be an “alternative reality.” Obviously, churches reflect the culture and setting where they sit. Nevertheless, I need someone to invite me to lay down the striving and competing for a season and the Risen Christ issues such an invitation to us when we stop to listen. I hope this WORD finds you in a spirit of quiet trust. In addition, if that is not the case, I pray you will seek it. Never hesitate to contact me, or Susan, or Kevin, or Jim Williams, if you want to talk about the life of prayer.
The 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held in Anaheim, California from July 8-17, 2009. I attended GC 2000 in Denver and I value it as one of my favorite memories as an Episcopalian. Our great church is diverse, multi-lingual, eclectic, dynamic and fun! As you begin to hear press reports from GC, please remember that reporters are more interested in controversy than they are the outreach efforts, prayers, or ministries of the church. The press considers the daily life of good and faithful Christians as not being “newsworthy.” So if you hear something unsettling in the news about something that a member of the General Convention says or does, just remember that the press will not give accounts of the 1000’s of efforts in mission and ministry that you would appreciate. There will be more discussion on the basic issues of human sexuality but I do not anticipate any significant actions or decisions in 2009. If you would like to follow General Convention, here is the link to the Episcopal Life web page -
www.episcopalchurch.org/107145_ENG_HTM.htm.
As is our custom, on Wednesday, July 1, the choir of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church will lead an Independence Day Patriotic Revue in Huffman Hall to honor the founding of the United States of America. There are details about the event elsewhere in this edition of the WORD. To be an American citizen is a distinct privilege with significant obligations. Let us celebrate that privilege and re-commit to the obligations together as we enjoy an old-fashioned potluck supper and great fun together!
Finally, as I come to the end of my 7th year as your rector, I give thanks for each of you. We are blessed! One more note: Crystal, Patrick, Caroline and I will be on vacation from July 12 – July 28. I hope to come back with a tan!
God bless you one and all!
Merrill
