In writing my last newsletter article as I make my way from St. James’ to St. Andrew’s I am curious about what I might have written in my very first newsletter article entitled “The Way I See It”. I’ve kept every article, thinking if I ever write a book, I’m going to use these musings. So looking back, here’s the short version of what I had to say… “The way I see it, God is at work in you; we have some great opportunities to grow in our ministries with youth and children; we have much for which to be thankful; and lastly, God is not done with us yet.” Interestingly these things are still true. So what has God been up to for these past seven years?
The way I see it God has been growing us as individuals and as a faith community. We are not the same parish we were in 2002. For one thing we’re all older—that’s a given. But for another thing we’ve been intentional about sharing in mutual ministry—and that is not always a given! Some models of ministry evoke a top down approach where what the Rector says the people do. (Clearly this is not me nor is it you!) Instead, together we have shaped ourselves into the body of Christ in this place that has encouraged baptismal ministry and prayerful deep listening with one another. I have seen this time and time again in our vestry and ministry group meetings, in the various spirituality groups, in Via Media and in the Living the Questions series. I not only have seen Christ in you but heard you speak words of love, care, encouragement, forgiveness and mercy over and over again.
The way I see it God has also been at work growing us into a congregation of generous people. The list of all the capital improvements that have taken place are truly amazing from drainage ditches and gutters, to state-of-the-art new heating, to renovating the parish kitchen, to refurbishing the brass to replacing the front steps, to remediating the mold in the Lewis House and last but not least to putting on a new slate roof on this 147 year old church. These projects could not have taken place without your generosity.
The way I see it God has also blessed St. James with children and youth to nurture and grow in Christ. I counted and there have been 36 baptisms and 29 confirmations of our youngest members. This is not only a sign of a healthy parish but one with future generations! Which means God is not done with St. James Church.
The way I see it, you now have a wonderful opportunity before you to truly be transformed—to venture forth into becoming a church in the 21st Century where worship is joyful and authentic, where deep connections are made with this community, where people tell their faith stories with openness, where all are welcome and all are growing in faith. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… it has been such a privilege to be your Rector! I look forward to our finale celebration of mutual ministry on Sunday, May 3rd at our potluck supper and to our last celebration of Eucharist on May 17th.