Mtr Taylor Devine

Dear Friend,

I am honored to serve in a Church that takes its faith and work together seriously. This month there are a whole host of events supported by parishioners, staff, clergy, all in ministry together, seeking to bless one another and our community in the name of Christ. In our Gospel reading today from the Daily Office Jesus heals all kinds of people, fulfilling the prophecy from Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases." As he healed people he called others into relationship, showing them what he was up to, inviting them to carry on his work in his name.

This month in the Way of Love practices of Saint Philip’s in the Hills, we are considering “Bless,” one of the 7 commitments of the rule of life we are exploring and taking on in various ways this year. There are a few exciting ways to explore the practice of blessing, and to attune ourselves to the manifold blessings we receive, in our community life this month.

-This Saturday we host Casa Maria Sandwich making in the morning from 7:15 to 9am, making hundreds of sandwiches for our hungry neighbors.

-At 11 am on Saturday we will have the Blessing of the Animals, honoring God’s creation with a service in the Labyrinth, followed by sharing a meal and fellowship with community groups that work for animal welfare at noon.

-This Sunday the Rev’d Canon Scott Gunn, Executive Director of Forward Movement and co-author of Walk in Love joins us to preach and lead a forum at 10:15, inviting us into this Way of Love.

-This Wednesday, the 9th, Mosaic Community Night’s formation from 6:30 to 7:30pm will be focused on the Pastoral Care Ministries of Saint Philip’s and the ways in which we answer God’s call to care for one another, the sick, the grieving, and the marginalized, and the spiritual resources we share that honor the dignity of human life, and beg the blessing of God. Women’s and Men’s Bible studies, Intergenerational Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, childcare, and Laundry Love will run concurrently, all ways in which we bless and seek blessing.

-On Sunday the 13th, 20th, and 27th from 10:15am to 11am we will learn and share about the theology of generosity and giving that are called into by Christ.

-On Sundays from October 20 to December 8 there will be small group gatherings that follow the Way of Love: the 50 Day Bible Challenge. To register, please visit stphilipstucson.org/wayoflove. Sharing faith practices and faith journeys with one another is an important part of taking these practices on as the blessings that they are.

To receive the blessing of God in community, to give the blessings we know to join in the building up that Body, is a great honor. The saving work of Jesus cannot be done by human hands, but these hands are called to point to it, to live in gratitude, and to seek the Great Thanksgiving we are invited into.

In Christ,
Mtr. Taylor