Aug. 13, 2019 Transition Update #2
“Teach me discernment and knowledge, for I have believed in your commandments.” PS 119:66
As we press forward into August, we as a parish are moving on two parallel tracks, into our formal process of calling a new rector and into our annual Stewardship campaign. The two are actually very similar and an appreciation of that will strengthen our resolve to accomplish both in the best way that we can.
The rector transition is about a leadership transition which will reset our church’s trajectory and influence the power of our parish ministries for years to come. This time is an opportunity to enlarge our vision and achieve even more of the great potential of Christ Church.
Stewardship is about using the gifts God has given us to do the work He is calling us to do. Stewardship involves joyous acts of thanksgiving in response to God’s grace. Stewardship is also about enlarging our vision and achieving more of our great potential. It’s about reaching out to build relationships from a perspective of abundance rather than scarcity.
In both cases, discernment, listening to God’s will, is central. The Vestry will lead the parish through both processes but each of you will be involved. A transition Call (or Search) Committee will be convened by the Vestry in the next month in order to seek God’s will on behalf of the congregation. And a Stewardship Committee will also be convened. The purpose of our annual giving campaign is not only to raise support for our many life-giving ministries but also to help people explore intentional and proportional giving as a spiritual practice that reflects gratitude and generosity for all that has been given.
Be grateful and embrace these tasks. Also please thoughtfully and prayerfully consider if you feel called to serve in either of these committees and let me know.
Thank you and God bless you all,
Paul
Senior Warden