Yesterday's Gospel lesson (Luke 17:5-10) forced us to take a hard look at God's call on our lives. As followers of Jesus, God asks us to work . . . and work some more. This work (though challenging and sometimes even full of risk and danger) is also full of purpose.
One of the things that drew me to St. Paul's was the parish's understanding of the work you are engaged in, as articulated in your mission statement:
"Our mission is to bring people to an ever-deepening relationship
with God, and with one another, through Jesus Christ.
Under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit,
we aspire to be a loving and welcoming family of faith
which is a living witness for the coming Kingdom of God."
For a long time now, this mission statement has been printed at the top of each Sunday morning bulletin. Now it's time to pull the mission off the page, write it on our hearts, and see what God will do with it - and with us - next!
So here's the RECTOR'S CHALLENGE: I challenge all people of the parish to memorize the mission statement and say it to me before Thanksgiving. I will reward those who do this with HOMEMADE FUDGE. I make some pretty good fudge, if I do say so myself, so get busy!!!!
I look forward to hearing from YOU!
Blessings,
Janet+
