From the Rector

Dear All Saints:

 As I write this, I am still warmed by the glow of a wonderful Triduum - the three days bracketed by Maundy Thursday and the Great Vigil - and our exuberant liturgies on Easter Day. As a priest and a person of faith, all of Holy Week is like the World Series, Super Bowl, and Stanley Cup combined.

 As a culture, we are hardwired to move on from one thing to the next, not allowing ourselves much time to reflect. The demands of 21st century life constantly tug at us. But in Church time, we have 50 days to celebrate Easter. Sure, the eggs may be finished and the lilies beginning to fade, but the story of the days between the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost tells of the appearances of the resurrected Christ to his followers and reflections on words he had spoken and things he had done while he was still with them that foreshadowed his departure.

 For us, it will also be a time of working together to prepare for a new beginning for All Saints and for me as I prepare to take up a new ministry. What lessons might we learn together over these next weeks? How do we prepare ourselves for the unfamiliar road that lies ahead? I believe that the stories of Eastertide, the Great Fifty Days, will help point the way. These days will also give us time to ask one another what it is we can contribute to this community of faith to make sure it continues on solid footing until a new rector is called.

 Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

                                                                        Collect for Thursday in Easter Week, BCP 223

Alleluia, Christ is Risen! 

ethomas@allsaintshoboken.org
201-273-1802