Grief and Alleluias.

"And weeping o’er the grave, we make our song,

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!"

These words from an ancient prayer are a part of the funeral service in our prayer book. There is a sharp contrast between the image of the mourner at a grave and the shout of Alleluia! I imagine someone bent over with grief and sobbing, the Alleluia coming from their lips, trembling at first and then strengthening with repetition.

My imagination wants to make the scene one where, although the hurt remains at the loss of one loved, so also, the truth of resurrection to eternal life is brought into that utter despair, like the sunrise in the morning.That is just my picture, and I know it is often a lot messier than that.

As we celebrate All Souls day, I know well that grief is not simple, nor linear. No matter how its stages are sometimes laid out as tidily following each other - it does not happen that way. It can be hard to want to proclaim Alleluia!, especially when we are angry with God. Even then, when we have no words, the community of the Church does, and holds onto that fine silken thread of Easter joy for us when we are bowed low.

It seems like a contradiction to sing Alleluia in grief. At the end of the day, what else is there to say, or listen to others saying on our behalf? We believe that Christ is raised from the dead and those who die are raised with Him to eternal life. Alleluia indeed. All Souls day is a time to remember, a time to reflect, a time to continue the work of grief. It is also the time to allow the possibility of Alleluia, even in the darkest and most distant hour.

Remembering our loved ones

I am writing to invite you to attend our All Souls Day Service at 5pm on November 6th 2022. Everyone is welcome. We will remember those who have died and are dear to us. You may ask for the name of your loved one to be read out in Church and you will be able to light a candle for them. There will be a couple of hymns and some other organ music, together with prayers and readings.

This service is intended as a space where we can remember, give thanks for and celebrate the lives of those who have walked with us a while. It is perfectly alright if you get upset or cry, that is very normal when you are hurting. This service is a space where you should feel free to "not be OK" for a while. Whether of not you can attend, the link below will take you to a form upon which you can enter names you would like read out in the service. These can be people who have died recently, or people who are still in your heart after many years.

Click here to submit names

Sincerely, Rev. Caroline Kramer

Revival!

The words Revival and Episcopal are not always used in the same sentence. On 13th November they will be!

This year marks 100 years of the Diocese of Western North Carolina and to celebrate the Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, is going to be with us (think the guy who preached at the Harry and Meghan's wedding).

Each year we have a regional gathering called Diocesan Convention. The way it works is that each church sends delegates and the clergy also attend. This year that will happen but the Friday and Saturday of Convention will be limited to Delegates and Clergy only. Friday and Saturday will be streamed.

Because Friday and Saturday will be limited in attendance there will be a service on Sunday at Christ's School in Asheville to which everyone is invited. This is the Revival. If you have ever been in a service led by Bishop Curry you will know he is very lively.

I am encouraging everyone to attend this service. If we have people who need rides we will figure that out. Because of this, there will be no morning services at Redeemer on November 13th. There will be a 5pm Eucharist. The service in Asheville will be recorded but not live-streamed.

As you know, I do not like cancelling services. However, on this occasion, we need to be present with our sisters and brothers around the Diocese. We are a part of something bigger and as we discern God's call to us at Redeemer we do so in the context of God's call to our Diocese. Sometimes it can seem like we are a long way away from things in Shelby. This is not Asheville and the closest Episcopal Churches are a decent car ride away.

Let's make an effort to show up for this one. The next few years will probably be tough on many fronts and getting to know and working with other Episcopalians is really important. If you need a ride there is a sign up at the back of the Church.

The Diocese are asking that individuals register - there is no cost or difficult form - it is literally so they know how many chairs they need. You can do that here Everyone needs to register. If you need a ride you need to sign up at the back of Church or email the office.

Caroline+