Advocate

I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. John 14:16

Grace and peace. I pray that you are enjoying this beautiful weekend. You have been in my prayers while I have been away at a CREDO conference this week where we have been reflecting on practices grounded in God’s love that sustain our lives. I look forward to returning and sharing what I have learned.

In my prayers this week, my heart has been leaning toward Sunday, the day we are usually together as a community. I am sad not to be there, but I am thrilled that you will enjoy a Eucharist led by the youth of the parish, with the guidance of Sarah and Brooks.

Thank you to Ashley Barghaan for preaching, to Ginger Lewis and Claire Kimbrell for reading, to McKinley Busen for leading the prayers, to George and Emmett Cocker and Cate Lewis for ushering, and to those youth who will acolyte.  I am in awe of your faithfulness and leadership. I will watch the live stream!

Tomorrow’s gospel lesson was set to music by one of my favorite composers, Thomas Tallis, in 1565 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I at a time when church music was shifting from Latin to English so that everyday people could understand the message. And what a message it is! In just over two minutes, Tallis thrusts into the depth of our souls the promise that God will send the Holy Spirit who will abide with us forever.

Be assured that God loves you and abides with you in every circumstance of life, whether you are celebrating graduations or other milestones in life, mourning the loss of a loved one, struggling with a challenge, or simply going about an ordinary day. God is with you as the ground of your being. Be confident of God’s love.

I am convinced that the music of Thomas Tallis is sung in heaven. You can listen to the piece by Tallis here. I wonder what the angels are singing in heaven for you.

Please plan to attend church tomorrow to participate in Youth Sunday!

The Rev. Jenifer Gamber, Rector
St. Peter's Episcopal Church