Dear Friends:

It's been nice to be back in the office after my retreat, which was quite restorative. As we wrote in last week's email, longtime parishioner Otho Kerr died on Monday, and I spent the week with his upcoming burial in the back of my mind. Even with a few text messages sent back and forth with one of his sons, it was still a good time away. It was also a time to reconsider whether my family (and beloved parish!) could handle me being actually on retreat for real, say, in another state, for actual nights away--I think the answer is yes. But the funeral on Saturday was quite frankly one of the most moving I've ever participated in, and certainly I never would have missed it. Of course every time we gather to celebrate someone's life and mourn their death is special, but there was something about the reflections offered by sons, the beautiful rendition of the Lord's Prayer that Gregory Kerr sang, the readings, the Gospel-it was really the best of our tradition all together. Otho and his wife, Julia, had been married for 61 years, and I know we will all keep her in our prayers as well. Otho Kerr III, in his remembrance, talked about how he had run the New York City Marathon the day before his father died, and how Otho had been sharing his son's stats with the nurses at Spaulding Rehab. What a gift for both of them.

Otherwise, things move along-and quickly!-this weekend is the final "Commitment Sunday" for our capital campaign and our concluding week of stewardship speakers and events. Thanks to Victoria and Michelle who have shared their stories so far--Jose will talk a bit this Sunday about his journey in giving. As always, your generosity has been breathtaking, and I am so thankful for all of you who are still considering how you are able to support our capital campaign (gifts and pledges so far total over $276,000). This building work will be so important to our hospitality and welcome to people of all generations for years to come. What's also exciting is that, in our partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, once we reach our goal, as we have, the sharing formula shifts-so now every pledge will have 85% stay at Christ Church and 15% goes to wider mission. Stewardship also winds up this week, and it's exciting to see those pledge cards roll in as well. The gifts you give to keep the heat on, the parking lot plowed, and salaries paid is so vital to our witness. We celebrate the Eucharist more than one hundred times each year, not to mention the sacraments brought to those who are sick. There are a lot of worthy "causes" to give to, no shortage of people and endeavors that need your support. But the work of the church is the one that is, hopefully, the center of your spiritual life. When I consider my own faith, I think I need to give as much as the church needs to receive.

Meanwhile, enjoy these last days of fall before the cold descends. Take a few extra deep breaths, a few more minutes at your morning coffee. Park at the edge of the lot so you can have a little more time to breathe fresh air and move your body. Give thanks if you are fortunate enough to move your body, to engage God's creation with all your senses.

Blessings,

Sara+