Our Creation Care Team, thanks all of our friends from our local Sister Parishes, Christ the King and St. Matthews who joined our Pilgrimage to the Navajo Nation with Sr. Larraine Lauter, Director of Water with Blessings and neighbors of the Navajo Nation. We encountered the beauty of the Western Four Corners of the Navajo Nation and heard witness testimony from Navajo women on their experience with climate change, the stripping of the earth caused by uranium mines and the devastation that remains. They gave witness to the lack of water not only for daily use but the lack of water for livestock, farming and herbs needed for healing. Many to this day live without what many of us may take for granted; running water or electricity even though power lines run over head on their property. Reminder for all of us to return to what God has created us to be...not simply caretakers of Creation rather work together to restore our Relationship with Creation and our Creator. We invite you to read the book Ladder to the Light, by Steven Charleston, leading voice of justice for Indigenous Peoples, the environment and spiritual renewal in North America. Together may we climb the Ladder to the Light.
Faith and Fun March Madness Game Plan on being a Disciple: A follower of Jesus 1. Gotta Believe in God and the truths in the Apostles Creed 2. Gotta keep Growing: that relationship with Jesus, Prayer, Mass, FF Classes, HOPE, read Scripture. 3. Gotta Gather: Can't be a team on your own! Be in communion with one another, celebrate the Sacraments, Mass, Eucharist, Reconciliation, join in Faith and Fun Nights. 4. Gotta LOVE! God, Others and SELF 5. LEAD! Gotta get out there and be the hands and feet of Christ. Special thanks to all you March Madness Players the Apostles & Saints for a fun night! Special shout out to Gigi, CORE Team, CORE parents: Cat Adlerman and Cathy Teplitzky, Team HOPE players: Catechist Jim Blendell, Gatekeeper Andrew Matthews, Referees Justin & James Angermeier. Team HOPE looks forward to a rematch.
Chef McKnight of the Capital City Rescue Mission thanks all who dropped off needed items before the storm and after the storm this past week! There is no stopping the generous hearts of St. Thomas! Special thanks to our young church for organizing our collection! To see more pictures click here.
Wednesdays at 12 Noon at the Pine Hills Branch of Albany Public Library This 6-week series of discussions (and tea!) will explore a different short story or poem each week. The writings variously involve the themes of patience, environment, commitment, life & death, childhood, and war. Discussion will be facilitated by Rev. Daniel Quinn, Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church. Mar. 8 - Leaf by Niggle by J.R.R. Tolkien Mar. 15 - The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono Mar. 22 - The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson Mar. 29 - Lepanto by G. K. Chesterton Apr. 5 The River by Flannery O'Connor Apr. 12 Parker's Back by Flannery O'Connor Readings are accessible online: Blessed SacramentAlbany.org If you can't view them online, please visit the 2nd floor reference desk of the Pine Hills Branch of the Library to view a print copy that can be read in-house.