I attended the 7 a.m. healing service at St. Simon's today. I left the house at 5:50, because I wasn't sure how long it would take me. I had arranged my work schedule so that I could stay after the service and meet with the Rector.
Two groups of deer, in two separate places, ran out in front of me on my way to the church. I decided not to take that as an omen! Of course, I was 40 minutes early for the service, but the church was open, so I moseyed around the Parish Hall, reading notices, bulletin boards, and any other printed material I found lying around. Eventually, Fr. Ned arrived and we had a chance to find an alb that would fit me to wear on Palm Sunday.
Three other parishioners joined us. One was the Deacon in our deanery, and his wife, who welcomed me warmly. I know this couple, as I have worked with the Deacon a few times. The other person was a regular at this healing service. I felt very comfortable with all of them.
Fr. Ned is one of my favorite people in the diocese. He was our curate at my other church for 5 years, and we became good friends. I had forgotten just how intimate and loving his healing prayers are. It was good to be at the rail with him again. Some priests (our former Rector comes to mind) rush through the healing prayers, saying them very mechanically. Fr. Ned and Mrs. Priest at the old church make them very personal, asking each person if there is anything specific he/she would like to have prayed for.
As we stood around the altar during Communion, I had a brief clutch in my heart for my Old Church friends, but I soon got caught up in the familiar words and actions. I felt as refreshed and renewed as I always do after Communion.
We went out to breakfast at the local diner. This town is very small (although bigger than my Village), and everyone knows the "regulars". M/M Deacon, Fr. Ned and I had a wonderful discussion while we shared the meal. The other parishioner had to go home to her ill spouse. I found out a lot about the problems at St. Simon's; most of them are typical of a small church.
Fr. Ned and I then spent an hour and a half talking about the internship, seminary life, and some liturgical matters. It struck me that Fr. Ned, the Rector, is quite a different person than Fr. Ned, the Curate. As Curate, he was under the thumb of the Old Rector, and couldn't deviate from the Rector's opinions or plans. Now Fr. Ned has spread his wings and developed his own style. It will be interesting getting to know this new side of him.
When I got home after another tough day at work, my new alb was waiting for me at the post office. I DID take that as an omen...a good one!
Life is good. Thanks be to God.
8:43 PM
I'm really too tired to write tonight, but I want to get down some thoughts about today. The dishes will have to wait until the morning.
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