Good news! Work is underway this week to replace the roofing material over the administrative hallway at St. Thomas. This is a 5200 square foot flat roof extending from the parish hall windows to the columbarium entrance. The work is being done by MJR, who inspect and repair our entire roofing system annually. The current coating is being removed and new coating and sealant are being applied. The work is labor-intensive and expensive but very necessary. MJR will also soon replace the metal roof over the nursery and youth hallway. Your gifts to our Continuing Faithfulness capital fund offering in 2021 have made this possible. Thank you!

The blessing of a new roof leads me to think about what a roof does. A solid roof protects people from rain and cold and sun. It protects a building from water and wind damage. The protection of a roof lets us feel safe and secure inside. 

The leak of documents this week about Supreme Court discussion in a case involving abortion feels to some like a leak in the roof. Abortion is a complicated and painful issue that centers on protection. Some prioritize protection of the child. Some prioritize protection of the mother. When it is not possible to protect both, who gets to decide? And if courts or states make this decision for people, does that open other gaps in the roof? Will other protections be at risk? 

As always we approach this and every controversy with the help of our faith. We believe that human life is sacred from inception until death. The Episcopal Church is on record opposing abortion as a form of birth control or convenience. At the same time, our church has also opposed legislation that impedes the ability to make informed medical decisions about ending a pregnancy. You can read about Episcopal Church positions here. Above all, we are to partner with God in creating a world where abortion is not a consideration because people have access to health care and families can afford to raise and care for children. We hope and yearn for that day. 

We are praying this week for schools and teachers, but let us pray also for our courts. 
Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (BCP 821)