In This Time of Advent

Did you know we have already reached the New Year? New church year anyway, with the beginning of Advent--a four week period of preparation in anticipation of the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

There are many ways to participate in Advent traditions, even and especially from home. Try following the Way of Love Advent Daily Calendar.

Or put up an advent wreath and carefully light the candles each week. If you have a Nativity scene or Creche, put that up, but consider having Mary and Joseph move toward the empty stable each week, having the Wise Men (and baby Jesus, of course) arriving later. This time of preparation can also be observed with daily prayer from the Book of Common Prayer or these sources: Forward Day by Day Online & Daily Meditation or with Daily Prayer in your email.

Please join us each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for our weekly service. Simply email the webmaster for the online service link. 

Advent Prayer

So, we close with this prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.

We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seekthe joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.

To you we say, "Come Lord Jesus." 

—Henri J. M. Nouwen

P.S. Just a reminder that under ECMN guidelines Episcopal Churches in Minnesota cannot consider reopening until the 7 day Covid-19 Positivity Rate for both MN and the County as a whole (Dakota County) have trended under 5%. Currently the Dakota County rate is 7% and is increasing.

Remember, that you, too, can make a difference for others:

Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours.

Saints Martha & Mary has a team approach. Each week you get to hear from a different voice. We believe different perspectives help our congregation see the many ways Christ's word and works are alive in the world.

New Addition

It is our pleasure to announce that The Rev. Molly Weiss has agreed to become the 4^th member of our shared ministry team, joining Rev. Eklo, Rev. Tom Garrison, and Rev. Jennifer Walding.

Newly ordained in 2020, Rev. Molly is a bi-vocational priest, and will be continuing her 20-year career as an HR leader for a major corporation. Her passion in ministry is equipping others to live their faith in everyday life. Asked about the M&M opportunity, she says:

“I’m overjoyed that the movement of the Holy Spirit brought the need at Saints Martha and Mary together with my hope for a place to serve and a community to join.  I look forward to getting to know everyone and see how our collective gifts combine to serve God’s people.”

Rev. Jennifer Walding presides this coming Sunday.

A Final Sending

 A sincere thank you to all of those who filled the M&M parking lot to celebrate the life of Rosalie Bruce, 85, who died November 11.  We were able to extend a final blessing from us to her before the hearse carrying her casket moved on to Lakewood Cemetery. Rev. Jennifer reminded us that even in Pandemic the Church was able to meet because the church is our people gathered together, not a building. Contact the office if you would like to have a copy of that service or service bulletin and homily Rev. Tom gave at the family-only Memorial Service.