In this season of Advent, I hear the words of John the Baptist: Prepare the
Way! John is walking from the barren land and proclaiming that God is about
to do a new thing. I sometimes feel like I am in the same role as John the
Baptist as I go from church to church, as an interim rector, proclaiming we
should prepare the way because God is about to do a new thing. It seems to
me that God is all about new things at All Saints’ in Tupelo. God has given
the vision and reality of a new building to prepare for an expanding
membership, an expanding ministry. I believe God has called me to be here
with you as we walk the next several months toward the calling of a new
rector. God will continue to do new things as a new rector is called and yet
another era at All Saints’ begins.
This may sound strange, but, I don’t like change very much. Generally I am a
person that likes routine and stable environments. Stability and scheduled
life allows me to relax as I think I can depend upon certain things in my
life. When my morning routine is interrupted or I’m out of my comfort zone I
can become a little flustered and breathless. It seems that everything that
happens after those events also seems a bit uncertain—it can put my whole
day off kilter. I have learned to count these interruptions as a
blessing—perhaps not always a welcomed blessing—but, nonetheless, a
blessing. These times of change, interruptions and unexpected events remind
me where my true comfort and stability must be found. My true stability and
comfort is found in the presence of the living God, the Christ, my Lord and
my Savior.
As All Saints’ has been lo these several months without a rector it has done
well to remember that the ministry and presence of God lies within the
community of faith and not just within the leadership of a rector. As,
sometimes, frustrating and seemingly endless process as searching for a new
rector may seem it is a blessing. It is in these times that we recognize the
strength and commitment of the entire parish. When the parish is in the
process of the search she can become more self defined and understand the
dreams, hopes and expectations of the community of faith and then, with
integrity, invite a priest to share in that ministry.
I look forward to our sharing of our time together as we shall prepare the
way for yet another new thing with which God will bring to us and bless us.
In Christ,
LaRae +
Mother LaRae publishes a weekly e-mail newsletter. If you would like to be
on the mailing list please e-mail:
molarae@rutenbar.com
with submit in the subject line.
