b'rectors messageThe shortest days of the year are fast approaching, and darkness settles in more closely around the days. With the cold that comes with winter in Virginia, we can pull on a sweater, warm ourselves by a fire, and enjoy Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, the three delightful seasons of winter in the Church year.For some of us, the darkness and cold bring new difficulties. Our joints become less cooperative. The heartache of missing loved ones is more present, and the pain of loneliness is amplified.The Good News of the coming season is that the baby Jesus, swaddled in Marys arms and watched over by Joseph, came down to earth for all of us. He comes whether we are joyful or in pain. It can sometimes be difficult to accept the truth of an ever-present God, especially when loneliness sets in with the cold and darkness, but whether or not we feel his presence, He is here.When I have trouble feeling Gods presence, despite being on his payroll, it is usually because I am praying less, and spending too little time with scripture.If you want to feel closer to God and your neighbor, consider one or more of these steps: Take a few minutes to talk to God in the morning and the evening. Be open about the need you feel. AskJesus Christ to reveal more mercy and goodness in your life. God is not likely to push you. God, like love, waits to be invited in. Open the doors of your heart, and welcome the Holy Spirit to move within you and through you. Find time for family, friends, and the community of church. When we feel down, we are likely to isolateourselves. Remember that although Jesus also isolated himself in the wilderness, most of his time was spent in companionship with others. Come to church at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings to enjoy breakfast in the company of others. Reach out to a friend or family member whom you have been wanting to see. Conversation and laughter shared with the people you love and who love you is restorative. Nothing takes the focus off your troubles more effectively than focusing on other people, so considergiving some time in service. Beginning in December, GHTCs Red Door Ministry will again be serving hot meals every Friday at noon in the parish hall. They need volunteers to help cook and serve lunch to our guests who are homeless or food-insecure. You can walk around and chat with guests, play an instrument to provide some music, or assist with the clothing closet. To volunteer outside of business hours, give some time helping in the work of Shood, the nonprofit founded by our own Robin Telfian, which provides gently used shoes to the community. Contact Molly Howle (804) 285-3870 or Robin Telfian(804) 651-9032) for more information.Whatever this season brings, please dont hesitate to reach out to me or to Rev. Paul Evans. Whether you feel the need for pastoral attention or just want to spend a little time together, just being with you all is one of the greatest joys and privileges of our ordained ministry. Both of us love being invited for a hot cup of something, or a cold glass of something else, or to have a meal together with you and your family and friends.In Christ,The Reverend Duane NettlesRector2 | WINTER 2022-2023'