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October 01, 2006

Interim Rector's Reflections

Dear Friends,
What a wonderful start we have had to our new fall program…starting with JoyFest, thank you especially to Lynn Pieron and Shirley Hagey and to their many helpers, and continuing on with the start up of Sunday School! We have been commissioned to carry that joy into the world.

As Christians we are charged to be people who share the Good News with the world. Even in the midst of this stressed out world there is Good News…Thank God! And that Good News is that God is alive among us; the living Christ is a reality in our lives together. Such language seems abstract, but think of the many ways we carry on with Jesus’ ministry. When I look around I see people caring for one another; I see people giving their time and offering their skills/gifts/talents to strengthen this community so that it can continue to do ministry in the world. This takes so many forms—teaching, cooking, visiting, singing, preparing for worship. To keep this kind of active ministry going, we also need gifts of money. How is this connected to joy? Think back to a time when we gave something of yourself to make the world a better place….ah yes. There was joy!

Joy is something greater than happiness, although happiness can be part of joy. Joy has a deeper sense of peace about it. The deep abiding peace of God, even in times of struggle, can bring joy. This abiding peace resides in our relationship with Jesus, knowing him as guide, companion, and one who loves us beyond all measure. Often we are so busy that we forget to take time to receive that love…and it is right here among us, inviting us to soak it up, just as if we were taking in the warmth of a lovely fall day. Take time to fill up, because this is one resource that is not limited. It is the stuff of life and ministry. And once you have it, it overflows and is contagious!
Just imagine how many ways you are a giver and receiver of Christ’s love.

Blessings, Anne