A Message from your Rector:

Dear Parish Family: 
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)
 
The Apostle Paul wanted the Church in Rome, like the Church in Thessalonica (recall last week's epistle reading) not to be unaware of the mystery concerning God's calling, plan, and gifts. Now more than ever, I believe God is calling his people to become "unglued" from the transparency of darkness in our world, and the effect evil is causing in our lives: uncertainty and fear gripping so many people who do not know the one true God.
 
What is Paul asking? We are not being asked to become wreckless with our bodies as a living sacrifice to God, but holy and acceptable to the Lord. To put it bluntly, we need a realignment that sets us apart from the world at large. Like when the frame of a wrecked car becomes out of alignment, sometimes the metal has to be heated to the point of being malleable so it can be straightened out.
 
Speaking of realignment, you may have noticed I have been walking with a limp. I can't hide the fact I learned back in September: I have bone-on-bone arthritis in both hips. It is very painful and challenges my ability to focus. Trust me - just ask Suiter and Jennifer in the office. But the good news is I am a candidate for hip replacement beginning with the right hip on January 11th, 2021. With God's help and your prayers, I'll make a full recovery and our grand babies will be brought into this world, and I will be able to lead worship through Advent and into Epiphany.
 
I will be working with the Wardens, Vestry, and staff on supply clergy for a few weeks in January, and of course Deacon Frank will be called upon to focus on clergy leadership details, discerning what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect! Details to follow soon.
 
So for all of us at Saint Matthew's Church, I believe we are entering into a season of Spiritual realignment, discovering God's will for our lives and our Church. The key will be a renewal of our minds - becoming more intentional in our walk with God.
"The more confidence we have in our own strength and abilities, the less we are likely to have in Christ. our human weakness is no hindrance to God. In fact, as long as we do not use it as an excuse for sin, it is good to be weak. But the acceptance of weakness in more than acknowledging our limitations. It is experiencing a power much greater than our own and surrendering to it. That is the root of grace - the dismantling of our power" (Marva J. Dawn).
 
The incredible power of Christ in making all things new begins with a simple personal prayer of confession; something like this: 
Lord, I find myself pulled in so many directions. I present you my heart, soul, mind, and body for realignment in you. May your Word be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path as I follow you through this season of my life. May your Spirit lead me in paths of righteousness the rest of my life, until we meet face to face. Amen.
 
Faithfully yours in Christ,
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