The Rector’s Annual Report 2010

I think that I shall never see

A Church that's all it ought to be

A Church that has no empty pew

Whose Pastor never has the blues

A Church whose Deacons always Deke

And none is proud but all are meek

Where gossips never peddle lies

Or make complaints or criticize

Where all are always sweet and kind

And all to other's faults are blind

Such perfect churches there may be

But none of them are known to me

But still we'll work, and pray and plan

To make our Church the best we can!

                                              Anonymous

 Dear Flock and Friends of St Luke’s,

 Many of us live and worship in a world that is radically different from the one we grew up in.  Most of us remember a past when, at least, it seemed that everyone went to church.  This is no longer the case and sometimes even the most committed church member may find him or herself wondering: “Why bother with the “church thing”?

 The reason most of us continue to “bother” is because we know the “church thing” is something Jesus desires of His followers and though we are yet to make it perfect we still strive to make it better!   

We understand that any argument for being a Christians without the church simple does not square with the Gospel, for in the beginning of it all, Jesus called people out of the world to live in community with Him and after His resurrection; He sent them forth to call more into His kingdom!

 Very early, Christians are reminded that they are called to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-one lord, one faith, one baptism- One God, the father of all. (Ephesians 4:2-6)

 So friends, we are the church. We are those who know the paradox of being the church. Yes, it can be a bother but it also brings us a joy we can find in no other organization.  The church brings us close to God and close to one another. 

 Let us find joy in the fact that God does not call us to be perfect but to be faithful--faithful in love, faithful in sharing what we have and faithful in worship! 

We are the church! 

 This means that we are what God has to work with- just now in this particular place and time.

When we gather for the Annual Meeting, we have the opportunity to openly discuss what this means for us.  We have the opportunity to reflect on our past, our present and our future.  We have the opportunity to speak of our fears and hopes!  I urge you to seize this opportunity today.  If you find yourself thinking, “I wish we would or we could do this or that…” I would say the Holy Spirit prompting you to speak up!  I hope you will be brave enough to tell the community and especially the leadership- the vestry and myself, what you think we ought to be doing!  Please tell us what needs our attention!

 Yes, we are inviting you critique in love, because we serve you out of love for Christ. If you have something to say and can’t do it in public please call me and make an appointment for us to meet and share. (Just an aside from someone who has been ordained for a long time, the criticism always gets back to the rector, the praise “not so much”!)  I am making the case for speaking the truth in love!

 Allow me to express thanks, on my own behalf and yours, for those who serve in leadership roles.  I am grateful to the Altar Guild, our lay readers, choir, ECW officers and members.  (Here is where I get nervous about excluding anyone…for so many do so much to make this church better!  Not enough thanks can be offered to our Senior Warden, John Wagner, Junior Warden, Dave Carey and vestry members, Clarice Wright, Helen Snelling, Linda Turpin and Susan Harrison for the sharing of their time and talents.

 A special thank-you goes to Sandy Steffen for doing so much of the paper shuffling, office tasks and Parish House management.  Her help this year has proven to be priceless to me. 

I am please to share with you that Charles Poole has volunteered to help with liturgical oversight and organization; a void left by the departure of Bob Norris.

 I am thankful for every member and non-member who worships with us!  I am thankful that you allow me to be your priest.

A Rector’s Report can focus on what was accomplished and what was not, in the previous year and some of that is reflected in the attachment, but I am more inclined to use this time to set a tone for what lies before. 

 What lies before is a challenge for us as a congregation as reflected in our mission and ministry statement: the Budget.  This year’s budget is as lean as we can make.  Study will reveal that there are only two places any significant cuts remain to be made- diocesan giving and support of the clergy. 

 We may make it through this coming year without cutting either but what about next year and the next? 

When we made the decision to live together in community as the Parish Family of St Luke’s, we each made a commitment to support this church financially.  I am convinced that we have the financial resources among us to do this.  To this end I am asking each of you these questions.  First, is the church your largest charitable contribution?  Have you, or are you willing too, make a bequest to St. Luke’s in your Will.  If the church made a difference in our lives we should provide for it at the time of our death.

 Beyond the immediate need of funding the annual budget, we must also find the resources to provide for a facility that meets our needs and this will require additional fundraising for building a new parish house. (The point is this: Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.   II Cor. 9:6-8)

 When we made the decision to live together in community as the Parish Family of St Luke’s, we each made a decision to worship in community.  I encourage us to take this to heart and to be faithful in weekly attendance.  This is the best encouragement you can give your worship leaders- including the choir and lay readers.   I also encourage you to invite others to worship because I don’t think I am alone in considering St Luke’s to be one of the best kept secrets in Newberry. 

(The point is this: (Let us) ²⁵not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another. Hebrew 10:25)

Our focus is on the future as our diocese welcomes Andrew Waldo as our new Bishop!

 A challenge is before us as a congregation but it is one we have the resources to meet if we are willing to make God’s Church a priority in the Year of Our Lord 2010. The year before us may test us but I believe with my whole heart that if we are united in our love for one another, are willing to give liberally and are faithful in our worship, we will receive blessing upon blessing and all will be well! 

 I remain you servant for Christ’s sake,

 Elizabeth+

Senior Warden’s Report