January/February 2026

Dear All Saints’ Family and Friends,

From the Advent wreath to the Christmas candles to the Epiphany star, we have come through seasons of light. Now we journey through the season of “Sundays after the Epiphany” all the way to the transfigured Christ whose face “shone like the sun” (Matthew 17:2). It could be said that we are seeking after the light that is Christ, and we are also holding high this “light of the world,” so that others may see and be drawn to him. So, I share this New Year prayer with you:

O Star-flinging God,

whose light dances across eternity,

     dazzle us into your presence     

    this new year.

Open our hearts to the mystery of your love.

Awaken us to your presence,

     knit to the ordinary.

Reveal to us what is possible, but not yet present.

Heal us, that we might be healers.

Reconcile us to you and to ourselves,

     that our living might be reconciling.

Stop us often, we pray

     with news that is good

     with hope that holds

     with truth that transforms with a Word

          tailored to this trail we're on.

May the word of your grace guide our steps

     like the sun by day

     and the north star by night,

     as we travel into the gift of a new year. Amen.

— written by Glenn Mitchell

I wish you and your family a blessed, happy, peaceful, and healthy 2026.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Maxine Barnett, Rector