Dear friends,
At our annual meeting on Jan. 26, I invited all the ministries and committees of our parish to take part in a ministry discernment exercise. Every ministry, from Shining Lights to Administration, from Wednesday Faith Journey to Worship and Music, is being asked to complete a short discernment exercise reflecting on how some of the theological virtues of our patron saint might inform our future ministry planning in 2025. This initial exercise will hopefully achieve four things: (1) it will help me know and identify every corner of our parish’s ministry, so I can get to know everyone better and attend to everyone fully; (2) it will enable all ministries and committees to begin thinking more holistically and theologically about how their specific expertise contributes to our parish’s mission; (3) it will improve communication and transparency across our parish, so that we can collaborate more closely; and (4) I will have a clearer picture of where we might need to develop new opportunities this year, as we consider the 2025–26 program year schedule, 2025 stewardship campaign, 2026 budget, buildings and grounds needs, as well as staffing and leadership.
Over the last week, many in our community have reached out and offered fascinating reflections as well as suggesting ideas for new ministries and welcoming people to explore outreach opportunities. To that end, this Sunday our worship and coffee hour will provide space to share more publicly some of these prospects. As Laundry Love began this week, and our Sunday readings are themed around “callings,” our sermon will be preached by the Rev. C. Edie Dolnikowski and parishioner John White who has been heavily involved with Laundry Love. Both speakers will attend to our readings and prayerfully reflect on the callings in their own lives and in our community. Then, following the 10 a.m. service, there will be a meeting in the Thayer Room to discuss some new outreach opportunities, in particular Kenzie Blackwell, Merryn Rutledge, and Celia McLane will be speaking about how the Episcopal Church is addressing issues around immigration which have arisen in recent weeks.
Furthermore, over the next few weeks, I will be offering opportunities for parishioners to learn more about pastoral care in our parish, with a view towards pastoral and eucharistic visiting. Also, in the next week, our Confirmation Class will begin looking for sponsors. If you have served as a sponsor previously, or if you would like to be one for the first time, then please let me know. There will also be announcements next week about our adult education offerings for Lent! It’s all go…
I will offer further announcements in church on Sunday regarding all these opportunities. And if there is an area of outreach or spirituality that is on your heart at this time, which you have wanted to explore but not yet had the chance, please do not hesitate to speak to me.
With every prayer and blessing,
Ed.
The Rev. Edward Thornley
Rector of The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist