Fr Robert Hendrickson

Dear Friends in Christ,

In a time marked by international instability, domestic political tension, and economic uncertainty, remaining faithful to Jesus can feel like navigating a ship through a storm.

Yet, Scripture and the prayers of the Church remind us that Christ is our sure foundation, “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The Book of Common Prayer speaks of faith as a deep trust in the promises of God, formed in prayer, sustained in community, and expressed in daily life. Our life together is how we stayed rooted in that very present help.

When the world trembles, we are called not to fear, but to turn again to the One who calmed the storm with a word.

In morning prayer, we confess that “we have erred and strayed…like lost sheep,” yet we are always met with mercy. Christ never abandons his people, even when the future is uncertain. Faithfulness means returning to him again and again—in prayer, in the Sacraments, and in acts of love and service.

This is not passive endurance.

It is active hope.

To remain faithful is to trust that God is still at work in the world and in us. The Prayers of the People urge us to pray “for the peace of the world,” “for our nation and all in authority,” and “for the poor, the persecuted, the sick, and all who suffer.” These petitions are not empty words but are anchors of our compassion and commitment.

They are our commitment that as the world trembles we will remain steadfast.

So in these anxious times, remember to rejoice for Christ is our peace. Stay rooted in prayer. Be present to others in love. And let your life bear witness to a Kingdom not shaken by the chaos of this world. Rejoice in the Lord always, for even now, God’s faithfulness endures and, with his help, so can ours.

Yours in Christ,

—Fr Robert