Friends and Neighbors, 

This message is going out on the Feast of the Ascension. Scripture tell us that the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples over the course of 40 days and then ascended into heaven. This departure is accompanied by a commission to go into the world and be witnesses to what God is doing. We are called to be those who witness to God's love in the world. We are promised the gift of the Holy Spirit that will empower us to share that love. 

We all have various gifts that we bring together to love God and neighbor. I am thankful to serve with you, who give of your time, talent, and money to make the love of Christ known. I have heard some of the stories of what brought some of you to this community. Many of those stories include some struggle, pain, and loss. Just like the wounds of the risen Christ, our hurt can be transformed to be a witness to grace and healing. Telling your story and listening to those of others is a way we bear witness to Christ among us. 

I am excited that we will are hosting a newcomers dinner on June 4 at 6:00 PM. The vestry and I will be meeting folks who have joined us over the past year or so. If you consider yourself a relative newcomer, please email me and let me know that you would like to come. We are keeping it small so that we don't overwhelm new folks. I encourage you to say hello to someone you don't know or stick around for coffee hour and start a conversation. A simple welcome can be a meaningful witness. 

I am heading to summer camp at Grace Point. I ask for your prayers as I hang out with 4th-6th graders. I will pray that we all know the Spirit empowering us to be witnesses to Christ. 

Peace, 

Fr. John Mark