Rector's Ramblings

By The Rev Jim Stewart

     All does not stay the same even though it is the same.  We were sent a letter from the provisional bishop discussing the changes that have been made at the diocese office with the addition of Mellissa Anderson as our person overseeing the office and the decision to cut our financial officer and redistribute the duties among the staff.

     When this news was sent, I had several people ask what are we going to do now?  The answer is simple we will continue believing in the fact that God will lead us on with faith in Him.  Even though the people will change and the job duties will be redistributed we are still here to bring God and people a little closer together.  To have love and compassion, patience and humility.

     We have gone through this many times with the coming and going of bishops and the love for this one and not for that one.  Our focus should remain on the main subject of importance in our lives, God.  The distribution of money, land and people is where we must have patience and thoughtful discussions.  Our decisions must be from thought and prayer where they can affect others’ lives and then we must act on those decisions.

     It is our hope that we don’t make an error in our decisions but remember we are only human and that means if we make an error we must look for a solution. 

     Our work is the same when we think about God’s never changing love, so when we feel that things are changing all around us, they are but the love of God is the same now and forever more.

     I for one recognize Jessica’s contributions to the diocese and would acknowledge a thank you for her 18 years of service, but I am now looking for what God has in store for us.  It is also with great joy that I hope Jessica finds another way in life that can show off her God given talents.

     When I think of change and if it is good or bad I look at the wall of priests in our narthex.  They have come and gone but the mission of the church is the same.  Love and compassion and moving forward.  One day I will just be a picture on the wall, but hopefully the memory might bring a smile to someone’s face.

    God has blessed all of us by always being the same in our lives.  It is our purpose to bless others by reflecting His love even when we think we are in crises.  God bless all.