“O God, you have given us the Good News of your abounding love in your Son Jesus Christ: So fill our hearts with thankfulness that we may rejoice to proclaim the good tidings we have received; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”
Collect for Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Filling our hearts with thankfulness so that we may rejoice doesn’t seem to be the feeling du jour these days. However, I think that we would be wise to remember that we have, indeed, received “good tidings.”
Further, St. Alban’s continues to not only do good ministry, but to actively proclaim and witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the world. In reminding us of that I’m not “sweeping things under the rug.” Indeed, as one of my former bosses who hailed from Tennessee would say from time to time about a client in his deep bass voice, “Well now, things just aren’t right with them, presently.” What I am saying is that we have many, many reasons to be thankful for the people, the ministry, the mission, and all of the ways we live into them as the body of Christ at St. Alban’s.
Want proof? Think of one person at St. Alban’s who, simply by their presence with us, makes you thankful–thankful that they are there, thankful that you know them, thankful for the ministry they do or the love they give to others.
Our hearts should be full, as to overflowing, so that we may continue to rejoice, to worship together, to “minister to the sick, the friendless and the needy,” (BCP p. 392) and continue to welcome the stranger in our midst…all of which are hallmarks of this wonderful parish.
In Christ, who makes all things possible,
The Daily Cup 
Tribute to our community that I can think of many dozens of people at st St. Albans who make me feel blessed including you