From the Priest-in-Charge Desk:
Advent brings not only a new year into focus, but also our lives, both individually and as a community of faith. As we reflect on our salvation through the mighty acts of God, ultimately through His coming to us in the flesh of Jesus Christ, we begin to realize the possibilities He holds in store for us. These possibilities bring both tremendous rewards and change.
I have been with you as Priest in Charge for just over a year and a half, and I see these two realities very plainly. We are half way through the three year agreement in which time the rewards have been amazing! The ministries of both parishes not only flourish, but they are also growing and adapting to the needs that are around us. Both parishes have experienced combined celebrations of worship that have enriched your fellowship and brought joy and laughter. Saint Martin’s and Saint Stephen’s have worked side by side in support of each other, raising money at events, with open communications between vestries, working together to insure an open productive partnership with the Diocese, and working to support each other with stewardship. This Advent will bring a joint Christmas concert of our two choirs in which more than music will be celebrated. None of these combined efforts, celebrations or successes would have happened even two years ago without being brought together by sharing your priest. But Our Lord brought this change into the life of these two wonderful parish families, and the rewards have been great.
On a personal level, my family and I have also experienced amazing rewards (blessings) by answering Our Lord’s call to serve Him in your midst. Both parishes have been a wonderful gift to us because of your love, support, caring, friendship, and generous spirit towards us. For these things we can’t thank you enough! It is a clear sign to us that the Lord is indeed in you.
With this Advent Season, Christmas and Epiphany, we can do more than reflect upon the blessings and changes of the last year and a half, because God is calling upon us to look forward to what more He will do in our lives. In the words of Isaiah, “we shall all be changed,” and just as the coming of the Messiah challenged the people of God to grow, we too will have challenges ahead of us. However, we face them with the secure knowledge of who Jesus is, His will for us to be one as He and the Father are one, and with the rewarding experiences we have already shared. I for one look forward to the next year and a half, and God willing, several more beyond that!
On a personal level, my family and I have also experienced amazing rewards (blessings) by answering Our Lord’s call to serve Him in your midst. Both parishes have been a wonderful gift to us because of your love, support, caring, friendship, and generous spirit towards us. For these things we can’t thank you enough! It is a clear sign to us that the Lord is indeed in you.
With this Advent Season, Christmas and Epiphany, we can do more than reflect upon the blessings and changes of the last year and a half, because God is calling upon us to look forward to what more He will do in our lives. In the words of Isaiah, “we shall all be changed,” and just as the coming of the Messiah challenged the people of God to grow, we too will have challenges ahead of us. However, we face them with the secure knowledge of who Jesus is, His will for us to be one as He and the Father are one, and with the rewarding experiences we have already shared. I for one look forward to the next year and a half, and God willing, several more beyond that!
Faithfully,
Fr. Hunter+
