August 10, 2026

Summer continues on Cape Cod, and I hope you are finding some time to enjoy it. At
St. Mary’s, summer has included a few unexpected adjustments – most recently, moving
our Sunday services into the parish hall while the air-conditioning system in the church
was being replaced.

Thank you for being such good sports about the change of venue. Worshipping in the
parish hall felt a little different, and everyone adapted with patience and good humor.
The new system has now been installed and should be running by next Sunday, so we
expect to return to the church and to remain comfortably conscious throughout the
sermon.

Yesterday’s gospel gave us the familiar story of Peter climbing out of the boat and
walking toward Jesus across the water. We usually concentrate on the moment when
Peter begins to sink. Yet before he sank, Peter had the courage to step over the side.
While the other disciples stayed in the boat, Peter trusted that moving toward Jesus was
worth the risk.

Courage rarely guarantees a smooth result. Sometimes we step forward confidently and
find ourselves flailing around a few moments later. Peter reminds us that faithfulness
can be found in the willingness to try—in leaving the familiar place, taking a risk, and
moving toward Christ even when we feel the wind and see the waves.

Perhaps that is a good word for these late summer days. We may find ourselves in
unfamiliar rooms, facing unexpected changes, or wondering whether we have the
courage for whatever comes next. Christ still calls us forward. And when our courage
falters, the same hand that reached for Peter reaches for us.

See you Sunday back in the church, with air conditioning (and livestreaming)!