Dear friends,

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

I am very excited for our upcoming program year that kicks off on September 13. During our 8 AM and 10 AM services we will commission our ministry leaders and teams into the offerings that they will share with us in the coming year. During our Parish Picnic we will have information available to explore these ministries and share ideas for ways to serve, learn and grow.

Our Christian Formation Minister, Dana Blackman, has put together a terrific program for our children and youth. Please see the information she has included in this newsletter.

Having recently spent a few days in retreat with our middle school group, Dana and I look forward to working with them as they discern their call to Confirmation.  This is a commitment on behalf of the youth, their families and the congregation as we prepare them for the next step in their faith journey. Confirmation will take place with Bishop Haynes in 2027, but their formation will begin in September.

As summer comes to a close and a new season begins, may we take this time to assess our gifts to see what we can offer our community and the world to make it a better place.

Blessings,
Gini+

Dear Friends,

“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” Mark 6:31

In the rhythm of the year, I have always known the months of July and August to be the ones of rest, relaxation and renewal. I do not believe that we must go away or vacate to somewhere, like the mountains or the beach, to have a vacation. Jesus instructed his disciples to just get away to a deserted place and to rest. This can be any place, including our own back yards, where we can be with God and get renewed.

I am getting very excited for our youth retreat to Wintergreen in August. These few days away will help us to transition from the lazy days of summer to bonding our group for the program year. Dana and I will have activities planned that will help us grow in fellowship and faith.

If you have not had time away with God to rest recently, I encourage you to do so. Our spiritual well-being can be greatly affected by this time of retreat. Jesus modeled this many times in Bible and we should follow. Daily mini-vacations are a must!

The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Choctaw, prepared the following list as indicators of our spiritual well-being. After reviewing this, please let me know how you measure and how I can help you this summer.

Ten Signs of Spiritual Well Being:

 1. You believe there is always hope.

2. Your faith is what you do not only what you think.

3. You don’t feel it is a chore to go to a worship service.

4. Prayer is more of an instinct than a habit.

5. You enjoy seeing other people take charge and succeed.

6. You have more interesting books to read than you have time for.

7. Other faith traditions are never a threat.

8. When you give of your time and money to help, it feels really good.

9. As you age, you seem to find more and more reasons to smile.

10. Life is a mystery, not a law.

Enjoy your vacation!

Blessings,
Gini+

Please note:  This Rector’s message is for July and August.

Dear Friends,
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me” (Matthew 10:40)

School is winding down; graduations have taken place and summer is quickly approaching. Summertime is meant for recreation or as I like to refer re-creation. This is a time to turn our hurried and busy lives around and to re-create ourselves for God’s purpose. This is a season to relax, reflect, read, enjoy the sunshine and free ourselves from everyday responsibilities. As Ginger said: “It’s time for us to KISS” (Keep It Simple Saints)!

We have entered the season of Pentecost. Pentecost is the longest season on the church calendar and is reflective of a time of growth. Green is the liturgical color that represents life and growth. From Pentecost Sunday until Advent we will grow in our knowledge and relationship with God.

Summer is often the time for vacations. Over the years, I have visited many different churches while traveling. I am always interested in seeing how a community welcomes me as a visitor. Following is a list of some of the best ways that I have encountered:

1. Being greeted at the door and given a bulletin. I love when the greeter or usher says, “I don’t believe we have met before; my name is ____.” Once they find out I am visiting they offer a welcome bag or pamphlet about the church.
2. During the peace, I am included and again welcomed by those around me.
3. After the service, someone other than the Officiant or Greeter says hi and talks with me.
4. If there is a coffee hour, someone invites me to attend (other than the priest during announcements) and escorts me to where it is being held.
5. During coffee hour, folks are standing and speaking to each other and welcome me into conversations.

How well are we doing in these areas? This list is not only for first time visitors, but especially for repeat visitors! We have a fabulous team of official ushers and greeters, but if we all see ourselves in the role of greeters, I believe we will do better. We will be welcoming as I believe Christ intended.

If you are away on vacation, please bring back a bulletin to share or things that you see or like from other churches. If you do not know where to worship while away, check out this link to find a nearby Episcopal church. Find a Church – The Episcopal Church

I hope that you find some great re-creation time this summer!

Blessings,
Gini+