Dear People of St. Catherine’s,
Just today it seemed to be ever so slightly less hot than it has been! Can it be that Fall has arrived? It’s not very dramatic in Florida, but even here, the light is different as we roll into October. The crepe myrtle has run its course and the air is less sticky. If that’s what we get for Fall, I’ll take it!
In church also, the light changes, the feel of the air, the sense of the people all change. We are in the last stretch of the church year. It is pledge campaign time and we get back to business. It is the last Fall I will be with you, now that the search committee has received names and is working in earnest to discern the priest God is calling for your new rector. I admit, I am a little weary. Not because I don’t still enjoy being with you, leading you forward, and helping prepare the way for your new rector. I am almost 75 and with my wife’s illness I am more tired than I used to be.
But, October is a lively month and we still have work to do to follow Jesus, give a cup of cold water to those who thirst, welcome children and imagine a world of peace and justice. Two moments in October, particularly, call to me. First, on October 10, we will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” hymn 599 in our hymnal. This rousing hymn gave its name to the hymnal of African American songs and hymns that we sometimes use. It has words by the great African American poet James Weldon Johnson, with music by his brother. For almost a century it has been sung as an anthem of hope, remembering the “stony road we trod,” hoping for a new day. It is a wonderful hymn. There is a movement seeking to designate this as our national hymn. Our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry has been a leader in this effort. Whether there is political will to do so remains to be seen. But let us sing this hymn on October 10 and rejoice in the gift of such music – as we gather our pledges under the theme Every Perfect Gift.
The next Sunday, October 17, we will celebrate the Interfaith National Children’s Sabbath. Begun by Marion Wright Edelman, this annual weekend, calls attention to our nation’s children, especially those who suffer from poverty, oppression and discrimination. Throughout our country, Christians, Jews, and Muslims – who often fight over trivial matters – will join in lifting up our children and seeking hope for them.
I hope you all are staying well. Covid is still with us. My wife and I just received our annual flu shots and I urge you to do the same. God is still with us. What good news!
Peace,
Allen W. Farabee, Interim Rector
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