In this week’s reflection, Mother Laura kicked off Advent with a cheerful “HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!” and shared how the switch to Year B and the color blue symbolized hope. She encourages everyone to join in the hopeful cry of “Come quickly!”—longing for a world with more kindness and joy, especially in these challenging times.

In this week’s reflection, Mo. Laura joyfully shares our celebration of St. Margaret’s patronal feast day, graced by the presence of the Bishop during this meaningful Stewardship season. Lori Sysak, our online Vestry representative, beautifully expresses her deep connection to our community, highlighting the inclusivity of our online presence that transcends physical barriers. Meta Cadugan’s heartfelt journey unfolds, showcasing her gratitude for the enriching experiences gained through the tapestry of St. Margaret’s loving embrace.

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!

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!

In this heartfelt message, Deacon Jen reflects on her long-standing connection to St. Margaret’s, sharing how her faith journey has been shaped by her time in Emmaus. She draws parallels between biblical stories of Emmaus and Bethlehem, highlighting the significance of taking leaps of faith, and expresses deep gratitude to the parish family for their support as she embarks on a new journey to Bethlehem, filled with hope and blessings.