Rector's Reflefctions
“Equipping all our members for life”
Our mission statement has long ended with the phrase, “committed to…equip all our members for life…” Sometimes people say to me that it ought to say, “equip all our members for spiritual life.¬“ I’ve had a lot of chance to reflect on it over the years, and I love it the way it is. Of course many of us feel quite well-equipped for life, and when we do it sounds like an affront, except perhaps in the area of spirituality. But I think part of the gospel message is that we are maybe not as well prepared for life, ordinary life, the whole of life, the moment-by-moment day-by-day stuff as we might be, until we learn to live in the present moment in –whatever we are doing with the living God. We have the opportunity to learn so much about God’s ways, and to experience God’s presence in the present moment, but not until we see the need, and feel our own yearning, and so, sometimes the good news might sound like it is critical of us instead of an invitation to us.
“Gospel” comes through Old English “God-spell” from an ancient Greek word that means “good news.¬” And when do you need good news? When things aren’t going so well, right? If you don’t realize there is a problem, good news doesn’t sound good. In fact, it often sounds like an accusation. So good news is only good to those who know they need it.
I am hoping that the year ahead will be a time of reflection and wonder and setting new patterns for our common life. I’m looking forward to the leadership of our vestry and the work of the Strategic Planning Team to keep us in a mode of quiet conversation, and contemplation of our mission and hopes. If we do, we’ll be able to figure out what our goals are for the next few years while we are going about the usual round of activities. We have the opportunity now to set patterns for the future of the congregation, and how it will support us and those whom God sends to us in living the life that is eternal.
I was delighted by the vestry retreat. Your new vestry is off to a good start, and they have a message for you that was delivered at the Annual Meeting, Janury 24th, and that is told here in an article written by Chris Rowen and Michael Hudson for the vestry.
God is with us, let us be with God!
With love,
Steve