January 4, 2026

And a New Year begins! I hope this will be a blest time for you, your families, our country and the whole world. God has given us so many gifts and one of the most important is the gift of time. It is also the most fragile. So as we turn another page on the calendar and mark the beginning of a new year, I pray we will be able to use this precious gift well. We have a lot to pray for don’t we? We are still working on that “peace on earth, good will towards all” bit we heard at Christmas. That isn’t a slogan or a nice sentiment. It is meant to be our Christian way of life.

It isn’t always easy. Our own ideas, attitudes, personal inclinations and desires can turn us away from those simple words. Choosing to follow in the steps of Jesus is a challenge. Keeping a sense of the calm we feel looking at the Nativity scene is elusive. Allowing ourselves to follow the words of the angels at Jesus’ birth, telling “Do not be afraid” is often easier said than done. And being willing to pay the price for peace (giving in to another, letting go of preconceived notions, setting aside old assumptions, etc.) is not something we are always willing to do, in spite of our own experience that teaches us it just makes more sense.

So let’s see what we can do with 2026. It is a gift. It is another opportunity for us to show God that His faith in us is well-placed.

Once again, special gratitude to all the people who made Christmastime so lovely. Our Art and Environment team worked hard to make our church look beautiful. The lectors, cantors and choir spent hours in rehearsal. Thanks to our Eucharistic Ministers, ushers and altar servers who gave of their time to be with us and help our liturgies go smoothly. And of course, thanks to Father John and Ken and all our deacons.

Thank you for your loving support of Saint George with your Christmas donation. Your gift is important to our financial stability. If you haven’t been able to make your gift yet, please do. And Father John and I thank you for the many kind cards, gifts and goodies this Christmas. We both are most grateful for your kindness and the support you show us and our ministry. Bless you!