Weekly Clergy Letter from Mother Anne Turner

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

Sunday’s annual meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Auditorium.  (Remember—it’s the only English-language service we’ll be having that day.)  The meeting will be set in the context of our Sunday eucharist.  This format was an innovation that Mother Jenny introduced last January, and I have heard from many of you how meaningful it was.  I’m glad to continue this new tradition, and I am eager to experience it for myself.

 

What appeals to me about the combined meeting/eucharist so is that we have one of our most important conversations over a meal.  While we gather at the Lord’s table, we talk about the things that matter most. 

 

We are much like a family gathered around the table for dinner.  What happened during your day?  What are we all doing tomorrow?  Can we talk about that mistake that happened?  Do you have the money to do that?

 

The language we use for these conversations might be a little different, of course.  We frame these questions theologically and institutionally.  How has God been moving in our community this past year?  Where do we imagine God is inviting us next?  How do we continue the work of reconciliation?  How do the ways we use our resources support our mission?

 

Jesus himself had the big conversations over dinner.  He talked about love, sacrifice, betrayal, tradition, forgiveness, and hope.  There’s something about the connection of a meal that allows us to be open to one another and commits us to our shared well-being.

 

2024 was a challenging year for Grace, but it was also one that brought great reward. I believe that 2025 is full of promise and possibility.  I look forward to sitting down at our dinner table and talking together about it all.

 

Yours in Christ,

Anne+