Dear Calvary Parishioners,
The beginning of a new year invites reflection. We take stock of where we have been and where we hope to go. Many of us feel the pull to make resolutions, to change habits, or to begin again. In the Christian tradition, however, renewal is less about self-improvement and more about attentiveness. It is about learning, again and again, how to notice God already at work in our lives.
Scripture reminds us that transformation happens through practice. The psalmist prays, “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth” (Psalm 86:11). The Apostle Paul echoes this wisdom when he encourages the church to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Romans 12:2). Neither speaks of quick fixes or heroic effort. Both point toward a life shaped over time by faithful patterns and holy attention.
The Episcopal Church has long understood formation in this way. Our worship is not something we attend occasionally, but a rhythm that shapes us week by week. Our prayers are not spontaneous performances, but shared words that teach us how to speak with God and for the world. Even our liturgical calendar invites us to live into seasons of waiting, joy, repentance, and hope, trusting that God forms us through repetition and grace.
This year at Calvary, we are leaning into that wisdom by exploring spiritual disciplines as life-giving practices rather than obligations. Practices such as prayer, scripture, simplicity, service, hospitality, and rest are not about adding more to already full lives. They are about creating space for God to meet us within the lives we are already living.
If the language of resolutions feels heavy or discouraging, consider a different invitation this year. What if the goal is not to do more, but to become more attentive? What if faith grows not through willpower, but through shared practice, honest reflection, and grace?
As we begin this new year, we invite you to explore the many Christian formation opportunities at Calvary. Whether you are curious, seasoned, or somewhere in between, there is space to grow together. You can view our full Formation Catalog here and find offerings that meet you where you are, and gently invite you forward.
The new year is not something to prove ourselves in, but something to receive. May we meet it with intention, trust, and hope.
Faithfully,
The Reverend Allison English, Rector
Calvary Episcopal Church, Cincinnati