Annual Meeting 2019
If we were to tell the story of our life at St. John’s in this past year what story would we tell?
From my perspective looking out from the altar I have seen a community that is growing in grace, growing in service, and growing in love for each other and the community in which we live.
I have a privileged view of our congregation Sunday by Sunday. I have often remarked to Sarah that I wish I could photograph, or even better, video the start of church from the altar. As we greet the start of each service I see the faces of incredibly faithful people who gather for support, refreshment and community in the light of the good news of what God is doing in us and through us. We are a church that is thriving, gathering strength and learning to live in new ways each week.
A year ago in our fireside chats I shared a bold vision for St. John’s life and work in this renewed era. The ministry of this church, in my view, centered around 5 points of mission which I shared as “offering compelling and beautiful worship, supporting our families across the lifecycle, becoming a more connected community, reaching out to our neighbors in need and growing in our stewardship of the natural gifts God has placed in our care.” These five points have helped us to focus and see our life and work together in a more focused way. All of these are supported by healthy and good governance and shaped by committees that move our mission forward. This year we have made incredible progress in all areas.
The reports that follow this letter detail that progress. Each report tells a part of the story of how we have moved forward in mission this year and taken as a whole they paint a remarkable picture. There is much to be proud of, there is even more to build on.
Last year at our annual meeting I remember saying that we have great work to do together, and we have all that we need to accomplish it. I have never been more certain that that is true. As you read these reports I hope you see what I see: strength, confidence, clarity of vocation and hope for the future. There is no part of our life that is not being renewed day by day by the grace of God’s Spirit moving in us and through us. We can have confidence that together we are making incredible strides “seeking Christ in all persons and loving our neighbors as ourselves.”
“Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to him from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20,21)
Faithfully yours,
The Very Rev. Gideon L. K. Pollach
Tags: Latest Posts / May 2019 / Newsletter