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November 01, 2006

Interim Rector's Reflections

Dear Friends,

Have you ever observed a flock of wild turkeys? Like many other people I think of turkeys when I think about November, not so much the kind hat will turn up on our dinner tables, but the kind that live in the woods. They are awkward creatures, they make a lot of noise, and they seem to get in each other’s way…reminds me of our own species. Yet God made them and loves them, just as God made us and loves us. It’s amazing, even awe-inspiring. I smile when I think of these crazy birds, and they make me feel grateful for all the diversity in our world.

We have so much to be thankful for this month. I start with the ministry of our deacon, the Rev. Bill Schooler, who is retiring after 17 years of ordained ministry, the last 13 years at Trinity Parish. I know that many of you have a deep affection for Bill that comes from many years of friendship, and you will miss his presence at the altar. In the year that I have been here, we have formed a wonderful working relationship. I have a deep respect for his skills as a pastoral counselor, and I will miss him also. The good news is that he and Ruth will stay among us as parishioners. I hope you will make every effort to join us in a celebration of his ministry on Sunday, November 12.

I am grateful for the leadership of our new bishop. On Saturday, October 21, our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, addressed the diocesan delegates and the clergy for the first time. I think we can be grateful that we have elected a person of great learning and spiritual depth who can translate those gifts into practical leadership. He employed the image of the icon of the Holy Trinity and how the Three Persons of the Trinity are engaged in a circle dance, and he invited everyone to join in that dance. His commitment to diversity and inclusion is genuine. He wants to build on the energy that was generated in the election process and to have us enter into a covenant renewal.

He laid out areas where he is going to put his time and attention: 1. more regional and diocesan youth events; 2. emphasis on Millennium Development Goals (to address world poverty); 3. initiating two companion dioceses, one in the global south, and the other in Asia, not as charity but because we each have something to offer the other; 4. care for the environment, and 5. working to end violence, in all its forms and especially this war. He calls us as Christians to be “living wisdom,” suggesting that we could be “God’s spies in the world.”

I am also grateful for the work of the Vestry as they have come to grapple with the financial reality of our church and to share that information with you. You can read the summary of the Town Hall Meeting in this month's newsletter. This gives us a clear starting point for beginning our Stewardship Campaign. We have a vision for what we want to be: a welcoming church to those who seek to grow in the faith. We want to offer a program of faith formation for all ages, including vibrant worship with wonderful music at three of our services. We want to build our youth programs, including acolytes and youth group. We want to support families as they raise their children and as they move through every stage of their lives. And we want to continue our outreach ministries to people in need.
In the coming weeks we ask you to reflect on what this church means to you and what we have discerned God is calling us to do and to respond generously. Stewardship is more than raising money; stewardship is how we live our lives and where we set of priorities. Stewardship is a practice that will lead to a deeper spiritual life and greater joy.

And finally, I give thanks for all of you—for your faith, for your love, for your questioning, and for your companionship on this journey we make together.

Blessings, Anne