Saints, alive

These are some, with whom I'm in relationship, and who have given me particular gifts. I could have listed many more, and if I'd gone global, I'd still be writing.

Max, Apostle in Exile, St. Aidan’s, Calabash family, Olympia family, Craig and Cindy (in memory of Rachel), Pete, everyone at Traditions, everyone at the Bishop’s Ranch, Lizette, Sue, John, Margo, Mother Laura, Eileen, Jonathan, Jake, Marc, Nedi, Liz, Will, Sharecropper, lj, Juniper, Mimi, Grandmère Mimi, Jane, Garnabus and Fuego:

Thank you all for the gifts you give, to me and to the world around you. Thank you for your love, your commitment, your faith. Thank you for the ways in which you create community: sharing a sacred place in nature; calling out for justice; preaching and teaching the reign of God; loving and welcoming all people; changing the world from your kitchen table; adopting people into your family; deep listening, advocacy, and encouragement; opening your home to an internet acquaintance; reaching out to people in cyberspace. Thank you for being the kinds of mentors, teachers, family, and friends whom you are. Thank you for challenging, supporting, and nurturing the people whom you touch.

Collect for All Saints' Day, BCP 245:

Almighty God, you have knit together your 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 you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.