Friends and Neighbors, 

You and I are approaching a special moment. We have been doing ministry together for 15 years. I have enjoyed the journey and love doing ministry with you. I hear that we are planning a party on Sunday, September 15. Some people want to call this "my" anniversary. I get that you guys were here before I was and will continue long after me. Even so, being able to feed and tend God's sheep together for so many years is a true celebration. We do this work together. 

It is also time to choose some new leaders for ministry. We need at least four folks to join us on vestry. Please consider who you might nominate for this important work. The vestry is our governing board that oversees the temporal matters of the church. To be eligible, a nominee must be a confirmed member over age 16 who is involved and contributes of their time and money. You can nominate yourself or someone else. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to nominate someone for this three-year term. We will select new vestry members at our annual meeting on October 27. 

We have many opportunities to serve around here. Maybe vestry isn't for you but you might like to serve as an acolyte or help with children's chapel. It is fine to serve for a short season or give it a test run. you should give me a call and we can chat about that. I know that you will be receiving invitations from our Justice Ministry team leaders to join in a house meeting. Those are just a few things and there is much more. We are blessed with opportunities to serve and work together. 

As we celebrate years together, I am excited about looking ahead. The world is a different place than when I first came here. Even so, we continue to be a place that welcomes people with the love of Christ. Many people who don't know that love. I pray that we will all be open to ways that we can continue to witness to that love in ways old and new. I celebrate my time with you and our ministry together.

Peace,

Fr. John Mark