Dear friends,

In the next few days, the church will celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls....a time to treasure the lives and spirits of those who’ve walked with us in this world. Some continue to accompany us on this earth, and others linger in our awareness long after their passing from life as we know it here on earth. Meanwhile, on the Eve of All Saints,

Halloween, many little ones (and some not so little ones) will dress in costume and parade the streets, offering to accept a treat in lieu of a trick.

It’s always interesting to see what children choose “to be” on this Eve.... some scary, some sweet, some sobering. Some popular costumes this year include a number of presidential hopefuls....I hear blonde wigs are a popular choice...one male and one female. I’ll leave it to you to guess which is which/who’s who!! Just as the children are celebrating both the living and the dead (albeit in ghoulish fashion) so too do we ponder the spirits of those who grace our lives .... whether living or dead.

The print above “ A Gathering of Spirits” by Jan Richardson was inspired by a song of that name written and sung by Carrie Newcomer.  In her song, Carrie sings:

“Life’s a twinkling that’s for certain,

But it’s such a fine thing

There’s a gathering of spirits

There’s a festival of friends

And we’ll take up where we left off

When we all meet again.”  

(Carrie Newcomer, ©2002)

Carrie’s words stirred Jan Richardson’s spirit leading to her painting above and some wonderful questions for us to ponder at we celebrate “the Gathering of Spirits” ~

What stirs your memories in this season?

Who are the folks, living or dead, who linger close in these days?

Whom do you gather with? Who or what haunts you?

How do your memories help inspire your path ahead?

As you ponder, we wish you (in Jan’s words) a week in which you experience and rejoice in a “gathering of good spirits.”

Rejoice with us as we celebrate Sharon Dickinson’s ordination as an RCWP Deacon. Sharon will be ordained to the priesthood in the spring.

At The Spirit of Life, we are seeking to truly become the transforming beings....open to the Spirit, and creators of “justice & joy” in our own lives, in our families and the world in which we live. Our belief in the sacredness of all created beings and loving relationships compels us to respond with care and compassion to all who are marginalized in our church and world. We invite you to come and to pray with us as we “do our own work” in growing into a deeper awareness of our own gifts and ‘growing edges’ and together create a community that invites diversity and honors the uniqueness of each individual and every journey. We are confident that you will feel welcome in the “home” of The Spirit of Life.

Loving blessings,

Jean & Ron