Dear Friends,
I am a list maker and a goal setter. I love New Year’s because I take the opportunity to assess my goals from the previous year and to set new ones for the one ahead. Although I cannot fully check the completed box for all my goals from 2023, I am pleased with my progress and will keep them before me in 2024.
Top of my list in 2024 is to try to increase my observance of God’s creation and to provide better care where I am able. At the clergy conference this past fall, we had former Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori as our keynote speaker. Her science background laid the foundation for how we need to be better stewards of God’s gifts. At first, I could not embrace all that she was placing before us. Then I became overwhelmed by the abundance of need in our world. I concluded the conference by committing to do what I can do personally to make a difference. I have not turned into “Captain Planet”, but I have a far better understanding about how a little change can make a big difference.
Since the conference, I have limited my use of plastic water bottles and now drink from reusable bottles. I recycle more items. I use washable silverware instead of plastic when possible. When using disposable products, I try to use paper instead of plastic and dispose of it in a way that it will be recycled. I request paper bags instead of plastic in the grocery store when I forget to take my reusable bags. These are small steps, but one at a time I will strive to be better.
On January 27, the Vestry and I will meet to set our goals for Manakin Episcopal Church for 2024. We would love to hear from you as to what you feel that we should accomplish in the year ahead. In what areas do we need improvement? How can we be better stewards of God’s creation at Church and in our homes?
Happy New Year!
Blessings,
Gini+