It didn’t take me long to learn an old shibboleth here in Fairbanks: How do you know when the Tanana Valley State Fair is going on? It’s raining. Fairbanks is one of the few places where you can say it’s “Fair Weather” and folks understand that you mean rain.
And so it is.
Opening weekend of the Fair, however, was also an opportunity for a warm and joyful gathering of the Interior Deanery Executive committee. These leaders accomplished some exciting things during their two-day meeting including: plans for teams to visit our villages; the development of a process for grants for ministry with youth; developing the idea of a Deanery-wide “Confirmation Camp” based on the Culture Camp model; clarification of how the Interior Deanery will continue to recognize and honor St. Simeon & St. Anna Elders; and initial plans for next year’s Annual Deanery meeting which will be designed as a “Spirit Camp.”
It was exciting to hear the energy in the room despite the weather outside.
The meeting finished with a celebration of Holy Communion using the Communion Kit that the Rev. Bella Jean Savino carried with her on home visits. It was a beautiful celebration of our common life in Christ, the communion of saints who we remember with joy and gratitude, and the hope that is ours in the resurrection of Jesus.
This weekend I am heading to Sitka where the forecast is for sunny skies and mild temperatures. Like “fair weather” in Fairbanks, the old saw in Southeast Alaska is that if the sun is shining, the bishop must be visiting. I just don’t understand why folks in the Southeast are always talking about rain. It never rains in Southeast Alaska. That’s my experience.
I’m going to Sitka to celebrate the life of the Rev. David Elsensohn who died back in June at his home in Ocean Park, WA. Dave served as the rector of St. Peter’s by the Sea, Sitka, for nearly 20 years. There was a service for Dave in July at his parish home in Washington (also St. Peter’s). This Saturday we will celebrate at his parish home in Sitka. It will be another celebration of our common life in Christ, the communion of saints who we remember with joy and gratitude, and the hope that is ours in the resurrection of Jesus.
Rain or Shine our hope is in the Lord.
