Weekly Rector's Note: Labyrinth Walk Tonight, Refugee Art Show Recap

Dear Saints,

Seeing the Parish Hall transformed into a beautiful art gallery this past Wednesday was incredible. As we hosted artists from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, the show brought into focus the humanity of those who have to flee their country and the very real struggles they face in the process. Whereas refugees are sometimes spoken of in blanket terms and as an “issue” to be dealt with, the show brought to life how each refugee is a person with hopes, dreams, talents, passions, and people they love. It underscored the importance of welcoming the refugee -- as articulated in numerous ways throughout Scripture -- as a means of loving God and welcoming Christ.

A big thanks to Jennica Stephenson and Lutheran Community Services Northwest for bringing the art show to All Saints and to Paige, LeRoy and Deacon Linda for helping with set up and tear down.

It was also encouraging to experience this event as part of a larger dream that we’ve been working towards as a parish, which is to become a “Woodstock Commons,” or a community hub where people gather around art, conversation and issues that matter for the well-being of all.

This evening, we have another opportunity to meaningfully encounter beauty and experience transformation through our evening Labyrinth Walk. As Paige shared on Sunday, this labyrinth specifically gives us an opportunity to process the pandemic as well as other things going on in our lives: what might we want to leave behind, and what ought we take with us moving forward. Join us on the lawn tonight at 8pm to walk the labyrinth. Then stay and mingle over refreshments.

In peace,

Andria+