Ashley Malesky

The passage discusses the significance of St. Margaret’s Annual Meeting Day, which is compared to the secular New Year’s Day but occurs at the end of January. The community reflects on the past year, sets goals, and comes together for prayers, songs, and Eucharist. Mother Laura emphasizes the importance of unity, gratitude for blessings, and seeking wisdom as they enter the new year, inviting everyone to join the joyful day on February 4.

As tax season approaches, Mother Laura emphasizes the moral duty to pay owed taxes while highlighting the importance of thoughtful allocation of funds to support meaningful causes. She also discusses strategies, such as utilizing Required Minimum Distributions (RMD), to reduce taxes and contribute to charitable causes, emphasizing the potential impact of such actions.

This Sunday, our church commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. Born in 1929, Dr. King’s commitment to non-violent social change and tireless efforts against racism led to significant milestones, such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, 1965, and 1968. As we reflect on his legacy, let us pray for a world where divisions crumble, suspicions disappear, and justice and peace prevail.

In the New Year’s message, the community anticipates celebrating the Feast of the Epiphany and the Baptism of Jesus this Sunday. Depending on the weather, there might be an in-person service or a Zoom gathering, and updates will be posted on St. Margaret’s Facebook page and website. Additionally, the Vestry is working on the budget, and the Wellness Committee plans a Souper Potluck on January 26, while the Annual Meeting is scheduled for February 4, encompassing both in-person and Zoom participation.

In a message to fellow believers, Mother Laura reflects on the busyness of the fall season and encourages a pause amidst the holiday rush. Emphasizing the true priority of the Advent and Christmas seasons—Christ’s presence—she urges a daily 20-minute break to contemplate the significance of Christmas in the midst of hectic schedules.

As they anticipate the upcoming services, Mother Laura reflects on Advent as a hinge period—gratefully acknowledging past salvation, striving to live by Jesus’s model, and eagerly anticipating the return of the long-awaited One.

This Sunday, the message centers on the celebration of All Saints, emphasizing that saints, both known and unknown, are alive in eternity and continue to support us. The reflection, shared by Jim Harding, highlights the welcoming and supportive nature of St. Margaret’s parish, expressing a commitment to contribute time, talents, and resources to the church’s mission and ministry.

The passage reflects on the author’s nearly 7 1/2 years at St. Margaret’s and the deep connections made within the church community. The author expresses gratitude for the authentic relationships, care for one another, and the sense of resilience and commitment among the members of the congregation, highlighting the church as a place of God’s grace and a community of practicing Christians.

In this heartfelt message, the Mother Laura reflects on a transformative experience during her college years, when she befriended a blind woman and gained a profound appreciation for the importance of light. The story recounts her adventures with the blind friend, including being blindfolded and navigating the world using a cane and a seeing-eye dog. Mother Laura’s recent cataract surgery has rekindled her gratitude for various forms of light, both physical and metaphorical, and she expresses a deep sense of joy and newfound awareness of the inner light that resides in all of us.

Fundraising isn’t just about gathering funds; it’s also an incredible opportunity to connect with individuals from outside our church community. For those of us who might be a bit shy, it offers a relaxed and non-threatening way to extend our warm welcome and offer a glimpse into how we express our faith. Personally, I find immense joy in simply greeting people and engaging in brief conversations during these events. It’s remarkable how those seemingly fleeting interactions can evolve into something meaningful over time.

In the spirit of getting involved, we’re excited to announce that volunteer sign-up sheets will be available in the church this Sunday, and they’ll also be coming to you in future mailings. Stay tuned for more ways to be a part of our church’s mission and outreach efforts!