On Sunday, November 22, we will celebrate the Reign of Christ, also known as Christ the King Sunday. This is one of the latest additions to the liturgical calendar. The feast day was first instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 as the world was still recovering from the aftermath of World War 1, the War to End All Wars. It was designed as a day to affirm that Christ is the King, the one who rules eternity and emphasizes the temporality of earthly nations and rulers. It has now been adopted and celebrated by many churches around the world. In the aftermath of another contentious election, perhaps we need to remember that Christ is the King after all.
As we celebrate the Reign of Christ, we also close out the liturgical year. We will flip over our liturgical calendars and begin the cycle again on November 29 with the first Sunday in Advent as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. In the following weeks, watch the newsletter in the comings for some ways to celebrate Advent and prepare for Christ’s birth. As our Wednesday night contemplative worship continues, we will move into Advent together, contemplating this wondrous gift. As always, everyone is welcome to join us. If you are not comfortable joining by computer, there is also an option to call in by phone to participate. I hope to see you there as we continue to sit in God’s presence together, letting the Spirit do the deep work of forming us as the people of God.
By now, most of you have heard about my resignation as pastor/redeveloper of Risen Lord as of the end of this year. We share plans around my departure through the weekly newsletter in the coming weeks. I give thanks for my time among you and pray God's continued blessing and guidance on the ministry of Risen Lord Lutheran Church.
In the abiding hope of the Risen Lord,
Pastor Lecia