Hallowed ones of every time and place testify to the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord. Little ones today may not understand our history, our traditions, but they are part of the priesthood of all believers nonetheless.

Of course, the real meaning of October 31st – today – gets lost in “Spooktacular” and every other cogitation of screams, zombies, haunted houses and ghost stories. The church has aided and abetted with its bounce houses and “Trunk or Treat”. Not that it’s all bad. I am aware of my need to free myself of the shackles of indifference to what this day has become in our culture.

We have just had a great day of remembering and yes rejoicing over how far The Church has come. It was maybe not the phenomenal success in terms of people from outside the church coming to see, but at least five congregations DID come together in common prayer. We sought, and received, reconciliation with each other. The Word is a living, active thing! Christ is central here at Joy, and at Blessed Trinity, and at St. Matthew and at Our Savior.

Having reflected on our heritage, I pray that we will explore what it means to live into the same “theses-posting” spirit that, half a millennia ago today, synergized the world. Affirming and strengthening each other in our grounded tradition, we are freed from the bondage to sin, and “we’ve always done it that way.”

Experience God’s presence. Worship. Absorb the Scriptures. Live free, knowing that God forgives and loves you unconditionally.

Pastor Art