Rector’s Update: May 24, 2023

Above: Bishop Chris Warner, preaching at Restoration

Dear Restoration,

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

This was the text that Bishop Chris encouraged us to have memorized and living in our hearts, as we embrace what God has done through the Ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. 

We had a wonderful weekend with our new bishop and his wife, Catherine. He spent time with our vestry, with our staff, and with all the people who received the laying on of hands. I (and many others) was deeply moved by the words the Lord gave to Bishop Chris to pray over those he was confirming and receiving. It was a powerful time of worship as God clearly demonstrated His power. I am grateful for Bishop Chris and I am looking forward to a long season of his ministry among us. Thanks be to God!

Pentecost
As we look to this weekend, I am filled with anticipation for our celebration of the Feast of Pentecost. Our RestoArts team has planned a glorious installation that will remind us of how the Holy Spirit came upon those first disciples in Acts 2- “Then what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit…” I invite you to show up this Sunday with a similar sense of anticipation for how the Lord will speak to you, empower you, and send you out to be His witness! I can’t wait! 

And baptisms! We will have older kids making baptismal commitments for themselves and we will have younger children whose parents and Godparents are making the baptismal vows for them. Baptism is such a wonderful-dull-roar-mixture of joy, solemnity, reverence, and hope. Please join me as we pray for these children who are learning to follow Jesus in faith!

Nogales Noche on Thursday, June 1, 7-9pm.
Speaking of kids who are following Jesus in faith… We are excited to be sending a team of youth and adult volunteers to Nogales, Mexico in July to serve people who are migrating and fleeing violence. The kids have learned a lot over the last month about serving with dignity and showing the love of Christ. On June 1, they are hosting a fund-raising dinner. They will serve a Mexican fiesta, tell stories of past trips and what they expect to do this year, and give opportunities for you to bid on items in a silent auction. The proceeds of this night will collectively defray the costs of the whole team. I invite you to come and encourage these high school students with your presence, your attentiveness, your prayers, and your support. I am so pleased by the ways Restoration is helping our kids grow in their faith.

Memorial Day Weekend
As we come into this weekend and the unofficial start of summer, I am sure that many of us will take some time to remember family members, loved ones, and colleagues who gave their lives while serving our nation in the military. We are grateful for their courage and their sacrifice. 

As you pray this weekend, perhaps this prayer of thanksgiving from our prayer book will be a helpful guide:

O Judge of the nations, we thank you with grateful hearts for the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines, This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

See you on Sunday, friends.
-David