Everyone greeted me with hugs and "I'm glad you're back". I found my seat and got ready for the service to start. The bulletin said there would be a Baptism, and the pews down front were full of redheads I hadn't met before. The organist finished the prelude, and the processional hymn began.
The sun was shining through the stained glass windows, lighting up the altar cross in shades of aqua and fucshia. First came the processional cross, held high by one of our tall acolytes. It was followed by the torchbearers and the choir. Behind the choir was another acolyte, swinging the ribbon pole high above his head, celebrating the presence of the Holy Spirit. Then followed the Lectors and Chalicers, the Assistant Priest, the Rector, and finally, our Associate who was to be the celebrant. This was her first Sunday back in mufti since her lovely new daughter was born.
The altar was dressed in white, brass shining, candles gleaming. The congregation sang with gusto, and my heart was full. What a celebration on this feast of All the Saints. The sermon was given by the Assistant, who is in his late 70's, still as vigorous as ever. And of course I wept--with joy. There is nothing like coming home.
I will be put back to work, probably by next week, but today I was a parishioner, and I soaked up the panapoly and the ancient words, and the joyful music from the pews. The congregation has grown in these last 6 months; there are a lot of young families I don't know. I look forward to getting to know them. My high school boys are taller and more handsome than ever, and still involved every Sunday. They are a joy for everyone.
Our young Organ Scholar ( a 13-year old prodigy) has moved up to the title of "Assistant Organist" in the last months. He played a brilliant postlude today. He is not only developing in his technique, but also in his poise. He is such an asset to us. The anthem was lovely, especially with the Rector lending his beautiful voice to the tenor section. He loves to sing with them, and does whenever his wife is celebrating.
There was a happy reception for our new, redheaded baby during coffee hour, complete with a beautiful cake. The undercroft was full of conversation and laughter. There were toddlers and preschoolers running around under foot, and babies asleep in their carryalls. The elementary kids were hanging out, eating cake, in the youth room, and most of the high schoolers were conversing with the adults.
The Catechist and I sat in a corner and swapped school stories. She is working on her Master of Arts at a near-by Roman Catholic College, struggling just as I am. We had a lively discussion about exegesis and professors. It was great to have someone with whom to commiserate. We both have been bitten by papers that we neglected to proofread thoroughly, for instance.
So, for a few months I will be back home. By next summer I may be involved in my next field experience. The next one will probably be far from home and require a lot of driving on my part. On the one hand, I think it would be a good idea to have the summer off. On the other hand, if I get the next field experience out of the way, then I can concentrate on Hebrew in the fall. We'll see how I do this semester, before I make any rash decisions!
I'm almost caught up with my reading. Tonight DB leaves for Mexico again, so I will have the end of the week to myself for studying. I need to begin to put my notes into some kind of order to be ready for finals. They will be on me six short weeks (along with Christmas!). But for now, I'm relaxed and glad to be home.
Life is good. Thanks be to God. Amen
5:58 PM
This was another gorgeous day. In the fifties, on November 4; so amazing! It clouded up in the afternoon, and the temperature dropped a bit, but it still was beautiful. I didn't get outside again. At this point, I'm just out of the habit; I could have taken an hour out to walk. I have to get back on track.
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