Church of the Annunciation

Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Just thought I would keep you up to date a couple of past events. Last week I had the incredible pleasure of meeting our talented Pastoral & Finance Council as well as our entire Pastoral Staff. We all joined together for a round table discussion over a light dinner to share our various roles and responsibilities at Annunciation Church. You should all know that we are in blessed to have such talented folks who are laboring in the vineyard of the Lord to make our Journey of Faith inspiring and faith-filled. I count myself doubly blessed to join with them as we seek to bring about a time of renewal here at Annunciation where everyone has a seat at the table – All Are Welcome!
If you have any thoughts or ideas that you would like to share with me or with any of our staff members please reach out to us we are eager to hear them and do our best to bring them to fruition!
A few years ago I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal titled "At Some Companies Every Day is Marked by Religious Exercises." It recounted fascinating stories of corporations around the country setting aside time for weekly prayer meetings or quiet time for employers and employees. Imagine that! Some corporations would encourage annual three-day retreats which led to an increasing awareness of the need of solitude, reflection, and rest. Some corporate executives would even lead weekly devotional services, and large companies even built chapels with chaplains were available for pastoral service. The New York Times quoted an executive: "Many people have a strong desire for fellowship and community with those who understand the stresses and pressures of life. This place is a re-fueling station for me, a life-saver. If I couldn't come here I don't know what I would do."
As we gather as the Body of Christ this weekend we too hear Jesus say to his disciples, "Come away with me by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were making exhausting demands on Jesus. The Gospels often recount moments when Jesus has to get away from it all. But due to his popularity, crowds often pursued him and, moved to pity, he started ministering to them again.
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic I would think that many of us feel (rightfully so I might add) the need to get away – to reconnect IN PERSON with family, friends and of course the Lord! The business people, quoted above, along with Jesus, point to a need we all feel at times--to get away, get some perspective, and re-charge our spiritual and emotional batteries. Times like this help us to get in touch with the core of our being, especially with God who dwells there.
However and wherever we find this solitude, like Jesus, it is essential not only for mind and body for also for our faith. This weekend the psalmist says, "Be still and know that I am God." I’m not sure about you – but the silence of God's presence helps to quell the stress of the rat races of life and places us back in touch with what gives us nourishment and strength to go on in our Journey of Faith.
My prayer for you is that you and your families may be led to your “deserted place” and encounter the Lord who calls you by name.
Peace and Blessings,
Fr. Leo