Pause for a moment and look at this picture-of-the-week. 

It's just a snapshot I took with my phone of Grand Lake Stream last week. I was standing in the stream in rubber waders trying to look like a fly-fisherman. While there were moments when my casts landed near the intended spots, mostly they didn't. And I assure you no fish was disturbed in the least by my attempts.

But my time in the stream was sublime. With my brother and a friend I loved the feeling of simply being in the elements, the water flowing (at times strongly) around my legs, the wind catching my cap and sending it floating away (I did manage to catch it!), the sounds of wind and changing leaves and crystal water filling my ears, the October air sometimes dry and sometimes wet on my face, the sight of silken, graceful, elusive fish. It was perfect. It filled me up.

When I wasn't unjumbling a knot or fussing with a cast, my first experience of fly-fishing felt like a prayer, one I was privileged to be part of. I felt awake and in touch. I felt like this place mattered and that that was good. I stood in a posture of gratitude.

Many spiritual writers and theologians point out that for much of our lives we are spiritually asleep. Jesus urged his follower, "stay awake," and "be watchful."  Mystics remind us of the "sacrament of the present moment." Buddhists speak of "mindfulness."  The everyday expression, "come to our senses," reminds us that we might be missing what's flowing by.

As I return to our pulpit this Sunday, my prayer is that we can be watchful for what matters in our lives and faith, what is of consequence, what is worth effort and sacrifice to be closer to God and God's people and God's creation. As we gather and devote ourselves again to the sacrament of the present moment, may we be open to acknowledging what truly matters, including simply being present together.

blessings and thanks,

 

The Bell Choir welcomes additional players. If you would be interested in playing, please visit with me about your interest. We rehearse each Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and now would be an ideal time to begin. If you are interested, give me a call to schedule a "no obligation" visit or just come to rehearsal and see what is involved.  

James Strand, Organist/Choirmaster and Bell Director 

jstrand@maine.rr.com,  Phone: 899-4452

call us to a higher purpose, and   

There is a re-emergence of interest in dreams in the western world. Finally we are rediscovering that dreams possess the potential for spiritual renewal, emotional and sometimes physical healing, and an encounter with transcendence.

 

 

Help keep our neighbors warm. 

The St. Eliza beth Jubilee Center has begun handing out coats, boots, sweaters, warm mittens, gloves, hats, socks, and scarves to people in need.   Many guests come from countries that never have cold weather or snow.  Please consider donating gently used clothing for adults, children, and babies now. 

Clothing for men and boys would be particularly welcome.

Please drop off your donations at St. Alban's in the baskets in Bonoff Hall.  

Thank you.