In a recent Dean’s meeting with Bishop Shin, I was struck by something he said along the lines of, “I am worried for our lay leaders, and I am worried for our clergy, that burnout is coming.” He added, “There is so much unprocessed grief that we haven’t even begun to reckon with.” He certainly dropped a spiritual depth charge into the meeting, one that prompted me to contemplate offering a quiet day to explore themes of grief and loss as they relate to Advent. I reached out to member Sue Robinson, a General Seminary alum, to get a recommendation of who might be a good person to lead the retreat. She put me in touch with Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, an Episcopal priest, spiritual director, retreat leader and author of many books. Barbara agreed to lead the Retreat on Saturday December 4, 9AM to 3PM and offered the title: “Now in the Time of This Mortal Life.” She also wrote this invitation to all of us:

Given that Barbara has retired to North Carolina, she will lead the retreat remotely, allowing for members to gather at church and also view from home, if they prefer. It also makes it possible to extend an invitation to all the churches in the deanery, including our next door neighbors at IPC to join remotely. Interestingly, Barbara is no stranger to our church, having led retreats here during Charlie Colwell’s time. To find out more about Barbara’s ministry click HERE.

This year’s campaign, “Christ our Bridge,” is inspired by a verse from John’s Gospel: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (12:32). Jesus Christ draws all people to himself through his death and resurrection and is our "bridge over troubled waters" during these challenging times; by extension, we are called to be the same for each other. Therefore, may this stewardship season reflect our collective desire to be a bridge for the spiritual well-being of one another and connect us to the lively acclamation, “For all things come from Thee, O Lord, and of Thine Own have we given Thee.” Amen