Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus!
As leaves fall from the trees, there is plenty of yard work. Raking, cleaning out gutters, putting away patio furniture… I find myself busy outdoors during autumn. Preparation for the coming winter, takes time and effort.
It is hard work that should not be postponed. For example, experience has taught me that bad things happen when you don’t winterize properly the water system in an RV. It is better to pay attention to the changing of seasons and respond accordingly.
The same is true with our spiritual selves. Throughout our lives, we need to pay attention to nurturing the relationship that God established with us in our baptisms. This is especially true when we face transitional moments. Our faith needs care if it is to remain vibrant.
Regular worship, prayer, and study of scripture are good ways of tending our spirits. Each of these practices engages us in the knowledge of God’s love and the experience of being in community with others who follow Christ. Learning and growing with others helps strengthen our faith. It can provide comfort on days that are difficult and an outlet for joy on days when everything seems good with the world. What is more, in the context of Christian community, we can provide support, encouragement, and care to each other. We are better together.
Whereas this has always been true, amid a lingering pandemic, the need to tend to our spirits in the context of community holds particular significance. Social isolation, though important for safety when there wasn’t a vaccination option, has separated us from each other and has taken a toll on our spiritual health. Although we still need to take precautions as the communal infection rates remain high in Dakota and Scott Counties (masks and vaccinations remain good and loving choices), we need to find ways to reconnect with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Throughout COVID St. James has been offering a variety of innovative options for community to gather and renew its spirits in worship, study, and service. From parking lot worship to livestream worship that you can attend either in-person on online; from regularly gathering Faith Teams to weekly in-person/online Thursday morning Arise Bible Study and studies at Augustana Regents/Savage Senior Living; from daily online devotions, to multiple service opportunities - your church is providing multiple opportunities for spiritual care. Check them out and sign up/show up.
In addition…. there is something special that St. James is planning to help with your spirits…
On Saturday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., I invite you to a morning retreat at the Arboretum. This will be a time for you to refresh your spirit along with other believers. I am grateful for Gary DeKrey who will be serving with me to lead this event. Together we will demonstrate some prayer practices and share resources that you can use on a daily basis to tend your spirits. The cost is only $20 and includes breakfast, materials, and admission. When the retreat is over, you will have access for the rest of the day to the Arboretum, where you can enjoy the beauty of fall (without having to worry about raking the leaves!)
For more information about the retreat and to sign up (click here).
Blessings to you during this Fall season. I look forward to waving greetings to you on Reformation Sunday, October 31 when you attend worship in the parking lot (8:00 a.m.), in-person/online (9:30 a.m.). I also can’t wait to see you at the REFRESH prayer retreat in two weeks.
In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt