 |
|
|
Rector's Blog
Thursday, March 29, 2007
There is a moment in the marriage service where consent is given: that each freely commits "to have and to hold" one another from this day forward.
In our revisioning work that has spanned Lent, we've arrived at 4 parish-wide initiative that we have and hold for the next few years. The people consented to these as we've discerned them. They've emerged out our values, our hopes, dreams and wishes as we've sought God's mind and how he's calling us forward in the years ahead. What are our greatest opportunities for mission for the next few years?
I am delighted that the congregation was attentive to this process: over 30% of the congregation participated across the revisioning sessions. Through the broad participation, we have heard and discerned how God is calling forward with him in mission. I was pleased, too, to see that of the 4 initiatives, all speak to God's mission in powerful ways: that God's mission is not simply beyond us (in what we're not doing) but in our midst (a call in and through our strengths, and what is already happening). The call to follow God faithfully and participate with him is one that emerges through who we are and what we already are doing.
It's 2010 and here's a glimpse of what we see:
1. Children ages 4-11 who are coming on Sundays deepening in faith, who are loving God and learning, and growing as disciples of Christ.
2. Youth 12-18 who are worshipping and fully participating in youth covenant community, taking on spiritual disciplines, growing as disciples of Jesus Christ and having fun together.
3. A St. Timothy's that is connected to our larger community in ever deeper and new ways: through invitational events, local community service, mission trips, marketing/advertising, etc.
4. Adults growing in faith as disciples of Jesus Christ through a clear process for spiritual formation.
I was also heartened to see people stand up and share their vision and dream, and call for people to join them.
What we share parish-wide is a deep hunger for what God is calling us to be: a church for all ages and stages of life and faith (inclusion), encouraging God's transformation.
Congratulations St. Timothy's on claiming your role in God's mission that he's called us into as the next few years unfold! I thank God for the opportunity that I have with you to share in the role.
link | Comments []
[back to top]
Archive:
09/01/2006 - 10/01/2006
10/01/2006 - 11/01/2006
01/01/2007 - 02/01/2007
02/01/2007 - 03/01/2007
03/01/2007 - 04/01/2007
04/01/2007 - 05/01/2007
05/01/2007 - 06/01/2007
|
|
