Inevitably, as I think about October I get U2’s ”October” stuck in my head. Such a good song, and fun to play on the piano.
October
October and the trees are stripped bare
Of all they wear.
What do I care?
October and kingdoms rise
And kingdoms fall
But you go on
And on
I’m excited about their new album slated for early 2009. They’ve been working on it for awhile, spending a lot of time in the studio combining their creative genius. I can’t wait to hear how they’ve evolved yet again.
I wasn’t able to watch the debate last night, but I’m catching up on it on Youtube as I write this. So far, I like Sarah. Big surprise. She’s got guts and spunk. Biden seems like a nice guy, but…I can’t trust him. Some of what he says sounds nice, but I don’t think so. “Same sex marriage,” there is no such thing. Marriage is one man, one woman. I’m glad they actually agreed on that…in words anyway.
Tonight, we’re watching Ironman with some good friends. I’m so looking forward to it after a long week. Today, I actually was finished with work at 3:30, yay! It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to get everything finished by then.
A couple of us stayed after work to pray for our church and the convention tomorrow. Please join us in prayer for the diocese of Pittsburgh’s convention tomorrow. They are voting on re-alignment. In other words, they are voting to leave the Episcopal Church USA, and voting on re-aligning with the “Southern Cone.” Also, Grace Anglican Churchis seeking to join the diocese as a Parish church. That vote will be tomorrow as well. Praise the Lord that there are people bold enough to stand up against blasphemy and heresy, and are willing to face the very real possibility of losing so much. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to empower them to faithfully preach His Word.
We have been attending Grace Anglican Fellowship in Slippery Rock since the early spring of this year and have decided that it’s where we belong. It’s been quite a transition in some ways, at least for me. It is more liturgical than I am used to, but it is done in such a way that I felt comfortable the first Sunday we were there. For me, liturgy is something I have to be careful with. There is nothing wrong with it, but I’ve found that it can be very easy for me to just say the words, listen to the prayers, and go through the motions without thinking. But, Grace’s enthusiasm and sincerity help keep me focused on the worship and the meaning.
It has also been hard leaving FCC, the church that I grew up in, mainly because I felt like I was leaving a lot of the people. But, as we are part of one body in Christ, I’m not really leaving, but am growing in a place that both Arthur and I feel is right for us. Ethan, the pastor or vicar at Grace, has been a real blessing to both of us. He has taken the time and made a sincere effort to get to know us as a new couple in the church, and as friends.
The fellowship at Grace is also challenging and exciting. In the winter there is always a meal provided after the service, which allows for fellowship, meeting new people, and learning names to go with faces. We’ve ran into some old friends from school and have met some new ones. It is an exciting place. I’ve found the most thrilling aspect is the fact that they have a heart and passion to minister to Slippery Rock (school and town) that will not be subdued. They are constantly and prayerfuly looking for new ways and ideas to get involved in the town. And ministry could simply mean getting to know the people of the college and town, by loving them as Christ does and not judging them. Easier said than done, but it has helped me to see people as people, and not as a “project.” I’m not the one who saves, it is Christ who works in their hearts. All I can do is hope and pray that they see Him and not me. When that happens it’s all Him, ’cause I can be pretty lousy sometime.