Saint Thaddeus Episcopal Church

We hit the superfecta at Saint Thaddeus Episcopal Church today! A wonderful confirmation class, followed by a fabulous instructed Eucharist, followed by a fantastically fun ministry fair, and topped off by a thoughtful Reading with the Rector group! Such wonderful energy and life! To God be the glory, and to the clergy a good night’s sleep!

The poem Fr. Marshall read in worship yesterday was "The Peace of the Wild Things" by Wendell Berry.

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

This is the prayer Fr. Marshall offered this morning at the conclusion of the Prayers of the People for General Convention. It is found in the BCP on page 818:

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the 81st General Convention for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

The entire church campus was abuzz with excitement, energy, and hard work for our parish work day! A HUGE thanks to all who joined us to beautify and attend to our beloved campus! It was a GREAT day, leading up to an entire week of excitement, beginning with the Feast of Pentecost and baptisms tomorrow, continuing with closing exercises at Mead Hall Episcopal School, and ending with graduation on Friday!