In the Christian calendar, Lent and Advent are our penitential seasons. Looking ahead to Eastertide and Christmastide, we set aside a Sunday in each for seeing the world through rose-color glasses and rejoicing.
On rose Sundays, bishops, deacons, and priests get to wear rose-colored vestments. Many years ago, the amazing Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles Altar Guild designed a beautiful rose set for Bishop Suffragan Chet Talton, who died last year. Having a full set of vestments for a biannual celebration is a big financial commitment for a mission or parish. April Grayson Talton came in this week and donated Chet’s set back to the Altar Guild and diocese so we can lend it to congregations. Chet stood about 6’3”, so Canon Marjorie Cooley, our guild director, and her colleagues may decide to hem it.
When April visited Monday, it turned out to be the day after her birthday. We had a delightful, wide-ranging chat. Having been in the Diocese of San Joaquin on Saturday for the consecration of the Rt. Rev. Greg Kimura, I told her that it was impossible to number the people who told me they gave thanks for her and Chet’s healing ministry when he served as bishop provisional. Still deep in mourning and celebration for her beloved, she’s discerning, as all in grief do, about the next season that the living spirit of the Risen Christ is preparing. I know you will continue to keep her and Bishop Talton’s whole family in your prayers.