Rector’s Reflection
January 2020
“See, I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5)
The new year is traditionally a time to take stock. To consider what has been, and to wonder about and plan for what will be. Last year was a time of change for all of us here at St. Mary’s. None of us could have foreseen last January 1 what 2019 would bring, and yet here we are, embarking on a new journey of ministry together.
Change can be frustrating and frightening, and it can also be exhilarating and fulfilling. I am so grateful to be in a place where, for the most part, we keep our focus on the exhilarating and fulfilling aspects rather than on frustration and fear. This is what God hopes for us. It is why the angels always say “do not be afraid.” Things are changing, all the time. Sometimes they are big changes, and sometimes small. But God is with us in all of it. God is in the courage with which we step out in faith. God is in the deep breath we take to calm our nerves. God is with us as we say “yes” to a new challenge, and as we say “no” to what we can let go.
We have begun to imagine new things here, and some of that imagining is already bearing fruit. We have a new spiritual writing group beginning this month. We will be training new acolytes. We will be trying out new ways of communicating all the wonderful things that are happening at St. Mary’s, and new ways of connecting with one another as we worship, learn, and serve. I invite you all to continue to open your hearts to the ways God is calling you as individuals and us as a community into the new things God is doing at St. Mary’s, in our community, and beyond.
And I invite you especially to join with me as we celebrate our renewed ministry together! At 2 pm on Saturday, January 25, we will formally recognize what has been true since the end of September, that you and I have joined together in a mutual relationship that we hope will glorify God in this place and nurture all of us in our journeys of faith. What a wonderful way to begin this new year together!