A Message from the Rector
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Leave space for grace... “...but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). Merriam-Webster defines grace as, “disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.” I have always tried my best to leave a space for grace. In the way I live each moment of the day. I find that no matter the circumstances, I do my utmost to find a way, a path, even through difficult times, to leave space for grace. As most of us know, I (we), after some time of prayer, thought, discussion, discernment, and truly seeking the will of the Holy Spirit, created the Soft Space. This was to find and created a place, within our safe and sacred space, for children to come, be. It was my intention to provide something where the youngest of our community could go during the service. Having researched, learned the history of this possibility, sought the knowledge from those who may have had already discussed such things, and personally communicated with the families that would seek such a place, I (we) decided to create the 'Soft Space.' This was intended to be a calming spot for those who would use it. From the depths of my being, I believed by following the discernment of the Holy Spirit, that I had made the right choice to create such a place. It was never, nor will it ever be, a priority of mine to cause dissension, chaos, hurt or ill-feelings. It was never, nor will it ever be, my ministry to cause people to feel disenfranchised, marginalized, or cause walls and discontent within the place we call our spiritual home. It was never, nor will it ever be, my intention to make people not want to be or attend the place they call church. Throughout my life, I have always sought and fought to leave space for grace. Grace is that which fills the space when things are out of sorts. Grace is that which causes us to pause and take a breath. Grace is that which allows and provides a moment to rethink what has, is, and what could become. I also believe that grace is that divine gift that God gives to us, that we in turn, pass to each other. Leaving space for grace, affords us the time to reset, turn, and start again. If you have read to this part, you are probably asking, where is Father Lee going with this? I want us to walk together and allow us to leave space for grace. In light of what I have just written, I would like to request that we remove the Soft Space, beginning the first Sunday of Lent – February 26th. Perhaps at another time, we can revisit this place, within our safe and sacred space. This decision does not come hastily. On the contrary this decision comes from leaving space for grace, and with due regard and discernment. May we find a way to walk together, even in the times of discomfort, and always, always leave space for grace. Blessings, Lee+