Dear Good People of St. Philip’s,

Yes, I refer to you as “good people” even though Jesus once refused to accept being called “good” himself.

Perhaps he was sensing that the other was trying to butter him up, so he brushed the phony sweet talk aside.

So, are we really entitled to the “good” label? You bet. Why? Because we all have been created by God who called all that he created “good” and even “very good.” There is good in everyone. That essential goodness is both latent and developed. In one sense, ongoing Christian formation involves coming into one’s own, fulfilling what we each have been given to bring to fruition.

So, good people of Saint Philip’s, I am grateful for the All Souls’ Service of this past Monday evening. It was profound and moving. The names of the departed were read. Scripture, prayer, a sermon, and Eucharist were interspersed with music that spoke the truth of death, resurrection and ongoing presence of those who have gone before us into glory. Somber, sobering, and hopeful was the mood.

Several experiences prompted my departure from my Baptist affiliation into the Episcopal Church. One was an Ash Wednesday service and I do not remember which Episcopal setting in New York City was offering it. What I do remember was the sacredness of the “from dust to dust” theme of that holy day. Its truth of human mortality reverberated in my mind and body, encompassed in God’s plan for all of us. Here was a beacon of truth in a society that abjectly promotes the denial of death in every nook and cranny.

I had the same experience on Monday night in the nave for the All Souls’ Service. I felt the quiet and still connectedness among all assembled in church, of walking the luminaria path to the columbarium where the service was concluded in candlelight.

On behalf of the parish, may I offer appreciation and gratitude to those who made this possible. Fr Matthew Reese, Fr Alex Swain, Dr Justin Appel, Dr Jeffrey Campbell, violinist Ellen Ensey, Verger Dr Ken Hinkle; readers of the names of the departed and those who have gone before us, Winifred Williams, Bill Symonds, Cindy Chojnacky; and those who placed the luminarias Ayden Carrell, Leo and Erika Penn, and Lucy Fund along, with many choristers came together in weaving time together for us all that blessed and continues to bless.

Your fellow traveler,

—Richard