Friday, October 30, 2009

Community Remembrance

This is our first press release:

Community Remembrance

The Episcopal Church of Our Saviour will draw on traditions of los Días de los Muertos as it
celebrates the Feast of All Saints on Sunday, November 1. An ofrenda for the community will be in the church so that people may bring photos, names, and other remembrances of their loved ones who have gone before. Flowers, candles, and santos will join tokens of the departed as expressions of love that transcends death.

"In a society that wastes so much energy denying death we hope to acknowledge it and allow ourselves to revisit memories, feel our grief, and share our love," said the Rev. Paul E. Strid. "There is much more to celebrate this weekend than candy," he added. "We celebrate the communion of saints: past, present, and future."

Holy Eucharist will be offered at 11:00 a.m. and all are invited. Our Saviour is located at 2805 Don Felipe Road SW, just off Coors south of Gun Club.
I have just printed off photos family members and others that I wish to remember this weekend. I have also gathered a number of icons of the saints so we may have a sense of being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses as we worship.

Tomorrow I try to locate marigolds and pan de muerto (I didn't order ahead so not sure if I will succeed or not) and other items for the ofrenda and the celebration in general. Lunch with a friend then off to build the ofrenda and decorate the church. A busy day. If I locate where I last left my thurible we shall have smells and bells for this high feast. I will not make but might buy tamales. I cannot say they were a favorite food of my departed relatives but I do think they would enjoy them and we will at coffee hour.

If you are in Albuquerque or nearby it would be lovely if you joined us.

Blessed God, you make all things new: Guide us as we seek your will for a new community of Word and Sacrament, that it may be leaven for the world's bread, and wine of delight for hearts in need; a gathering strong for service and glad in praise; and a people listening and responding to your presence in their midst; through Jesus our Redeemer and steadfast companion. Amen.


--the BB

5 comments:

susan s. said...

I really think you are doing the Lord's work here Paul.

But I laughed out loud when I saw this from the article...
"Our Saviour is located at 2805 Don Felipe Road SW, just off Coors south of Gun Club."

Göran Koch-Swahne said...

Prayers ascending!

Paul said...

Alcohol and firearms, eh, Susan? Sounds like the church of Dick Cheney, doesn't it?

susankay said...

Paul -- Brad and I are planning on coming down to Albuquerque on the Saturday before Thanksgiving so that we can join you on the Sunday.

Integrity of the Four Corners is having a Eucharist and wine and cheese party on November 14 -- we may have a contribution for you.

Paul said...

It will be lovely to see you and Brad again, Susankay.