A Joy That Feels Like Home

Dear Friends,

I am happy to report that Bishop Fisher was very pleased with his reception at Christ the King. He loved our new blue paint, and was affirming in what he learned about our life and ministry. He spoke to me about joy in worship.

Frequently joy in worship is equated to praise bands, noise, and lots of crying out “Praise the Lord! That is not the way joy shows up here. Instead of sparklers, I like to think we are like a warm fire that is welcoming, comforting, drawing people together. Our common prayer and reverence, our liturgical structure and tradition, all provide a safe, sacred, predictable container for people’s faith. When life is full of instability, we are a safe haven.

I do encourage you to continue to greet everyone with a smile, to pay attention to what you are praying, to listen carefully for the voice of God in Scripture and sermons, and to sing out with all your heart, and soul, and voice. We want all who come to visit to feel like they are coming home.

Yours in Christ,

Mother Catherine+