Dear Friend,

This time last year we were still pre-recording Sunday Worship, and we were sorting out how to safely worship on Easter. Vaccines were new, and I was something like seven months pregnant. I was trying to get a lot of exercise and I distinctly remember waddling around putting tape down 6 feet apart to indicate where chairs should be, just the kind of nesting I felt compelled to do. Though I imagine I will always remember that time I am quite sure it is not my preference to celebrate the holy days of the faith with just my family unit. I so missed the regularity of worship in that season, and so appreciate the liturgical rhythm that shapes us over time.

This past Tuesday and Wednesday felt remarkably normal, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, with a few adjustments - live streams more smooth than they were last year, no pancakes yet. What I missed the most this time last year was the twin reality of the regularity of ritual together, and the in between times to which this life in community lends itself: the gathering before a service, a new Acolyte’s nervous energy, the post-church game of tag, swapping news or ideas between services. The in-between times add so much to our lives and teach us much over the seasons.

On Wednesday I experienced a new kind of in-between times, made possible by the gift of serving on a multi-clergy staff, I got to celebrate the service at noon, and participate in the congregation with my family in the evening. Since Ash Wednesday is one of my husband’s favorite holy days, and since he often takes care of our daughter during services, I was happily on duty to chase the 10-month-old. Being so glad to be gathered together, I was sad at first to have to step out a few times when she needed to stretch. But out in the Columbarium we were invited into the in-between times again. Hannah wanted to touch the etched stones, and I got to tell her about some of those dearly loved and laid to rest there. She was entranced by a blue-breasted hummingbird visiting little orange flowers as the sun set. She’s “cruising” so she could follow it on her own. I had to remind myself “don’t miss these Holy Spirit in-between times" because you’re so eager to get back to worship with the large group, these in-between times matter too.”

Lent profoundly marks the in-between-ness of our lives. Punctuated by ritual, inviting us to repent and turn again to God, this season highlights the divinity and humanity of Jesus, and what all this means for us, those he sent into the world, by him who is sent by God (John 17:18). Whether our in-between times are a long pause in the Columbarium or a rushed greeting between meetings, may we know the God who meets us there, too.

In Christ,

Mtr Taylor

Mtr Taylor Devine