I already did the halloween thing last week (pictured right with Carissa--generic super hero with anonymous greek goddess!). I went to a very fun, very "West Hollywood" party last week, and it was everything one would think a West Hollywood party would be. (Forgive the stereotype, but sometimes they perpetuate themselves, if ya know what I mean.) Talk about an amazing time to people watch and interact with some very, very friendly people! It was a time when I was able to appreciate all of things that Southern California has to offer, which is not something that occurs very frequently. :) Usually during this time of year, I find myself fighting the temptation of embitterment towards the fact that once again, I have been denied a proper Autumn. The leaves that are green have not turned to brown, to say the least (or red, yellow, or orange, for that matter).
So, I actually keep thinking about All Saints Day tomorrow! The more I take seriously the call of community in the life of faith, the more I dwell on the beauty and hope of Eucharist, and thus communion with the saints. I'm really excited that it falls on a Sunday this year, and I get to contemplate it further in the context of my church community.
May we remember who we are, and give thanks for the blessed tradition from which we come.
Almighty God,
who hast knit together thine elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of Your Son, Christ our Lord:
Give us grace so to follow Your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living,
that we may come
to those ineffable joys
that thou hast prepared for those
who unfeignedly love thee;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen
who hast knit together thine elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of Your Son, Christ our Lord:
Give us grace so to follow Your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living,
that we may come
to those ineffable joys
that thou hast prepared for those
who unfeignedly love thee;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,
who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen
~Book of Common Prayer, 1979