Dear friend in Christ,
Having just begun the Lenten Season we are challenged to examine where we have been, and where we are going. That means many things for many of us individually. It also means many things for us as a community of faith. The truth is that there is a collective history, and I have yet to meet a congregation unwilling to share its history, both negative and positive. Interestingly, there is a willingness to confess the sins of others and blame the present situation on “them.” Yet, we all share responsibility for what is happening now. This Holy Season offers us both individually and collectively (as a community) the opportunity to claim it and change what needs to be changed.
Both St. Martins and St. Stephens have this kind of history, as well as a common need to move forward. Both parish families are joined, for whatever reason, with the need of support from another member of the family of God. The Pasco Shared Ministry has given each parish a way forward. It was designed to provide a means for two parishes, with the limited support of the diocese, to recover from weaknesses which could cause each to close. Both have come a very long way to make that happen! Both parishes have challenges ahead of them that are still needed to make it happen.
After almost 27 years of ordained ministry and watching different congregations, I am humbled and happy to say that I see both parishes have so much to celebrate. Humbled, because I have been fortunate enough to be a part of what has happened in the two years since I have joined you, and happy because God is doing great things in these parishes. The future is amazing for both as we look towards a vision which is in harmony with God’s will for us a family.
Two years ago, I came to you with a three year “contract” with a goal of revitalizing two wonderful parishes. It was hoped that at the end of that time, one or the other would be able to call a new Rector of their own. It was an overly optimistic goal given the economy and patterns of society and individual obstacles each parish possessed. At the same time, the Lord is teaching us to relearn how to be a family beyond what we have been comfortable with in the past. Yes, I fully believe that the original goal is within reach. At the same time, the path may not be what we originally envisioned.
In this Holy Season, I am asking each one of you to pray, and act upon Jesus’ call for us to be one together in Him, and to unite in one heart and voice in Christ. Let us search our collective heart, honestly looking at the past, resolving to change what needs to be changed, and trusting in the Grace Our Lord will provide, making each parish flourish in ways that give Him glory! On the one hand, we are entering the third year of a three year agreement, on the other hand, you need to know that I am not a “short term kind of guy.” As I have told both Vestries, I am in this for the long haul and will not abandon anyone. The Lord calls His servants to serve, and I am here to serve Him and to serve you according to His will, not according to the term limits of a contract.
All of this means that we are called to examine our life through the Grace of this Holy Season, commit ourselves to changes which strengthen us in our relationship with the Lord, and move boldly together for Jesus’ honor and glory. Let us rebuild these parishes together, and build a lasting relationship which can enable both parishes to flourish.
Faithfully,
Fr. Hunter
