Beloved,
I believe we are entering a new season in the life of our parish. Over the past several years, much of our energy has been devoted to weathering change, rebuilding relationships, and creating a welcoming community. Thanks be to God, we are beginning to see the fruits of those efforts. We have a healthy mix of longtime members and newcomers who are eager to grow in faith and become part of the life of St. Paul’s.
That is a wonderful blessing.
It also presents us with a new pastoral opportunity. Our question is no longer simply, “How do we get people involved?” Rather, it is, “How do we help each other grow into the Body of Christ?” Those are different questions, and they call for a different pace.
The Ministry Fair
Several people have approached me about hosting a Ministry Fair, and I believe it is a wonderful idea. I fully support it. At the same time, I believe that faithful preparation should come before successful execution. By preparation, I mean spiritual preparation. A Ministry Fair should be more than introducing people to church activities. It should help all of us rediscover why our ministries exist and how they participate in Christ’s mission. In other words, before we ask, “What do we do?” we should first ask, “Why do we serve?” That is how we grow together as one Body in Christ.
Three Opportunities for Growth
As I reflect on where we are as a parish, I see three groups that can each benefit from this season of discernment.
If you are already serving in ministry:
This is an opportunity to revisit the “why” behind our service. You have carried ministries for years with remarkable dedication and faith. This season gives you permission to pause, reflect, and ask:
- What makes this ministry Christian?
- Why has God called me here?
- What continues to give this ministry life?
Rather than relying solely on momentum or habit, you have an opportunity to renew your sense of vocation.
If you are new to St. Paul’s:
You have found us. Many of you are eager to become involved, and that enthusiasm is a gift.
Rather than finding a place to volunteer, we want you to discern God’s calling in your lives. We want you to discover not only where you can serve, but also why that service matters within Christ’s larger mission. Christian service grows from vocation (summons, being called), not merely from interest or availability.
If you are members of the Vestry:
Your role is neither to recruit volunteers nor simply fill vacant positions. Your calling is to be good stewards of people. That means knowing the ministries entrusted to you, understanding the strengths and needs of those who serve, welcoming newcomers with patience, and helping make meaningful connections between people’s gifts and the mission of the Church.
Mary and Martha:
As I observe our parish, I see signs of health. Longtime members are learning to welcome many new faces into the life of the parish. New members are eager to participate and discover where they belong. The vestry desires to respond faithfully to these new opportunities.
These are all good signs.
Our invitation now is to hold together the wisdom of Mary and Martha. Like Mary, we first sit at the feet of Jesus, listening for his voice. Like Martha, we then rise to serve with generous hearts. Healthy ministry requires both contemplation and action.
The Journey of Formation for This Fall:
Rather than viewing each event as a separate program, I hope we can see the coming months as a single journey of formation, where each step prepares us for the next.
September 13 – Homecoming Luncheon
I can’t believe it has been 25 years since 9/11. Rather than beginning with a Ministry Fair, we will gather for a Homecoming Luncheon — a parish potluck similar to our Spring Parish Council. Together we will begin conversations about cultivating communal living through Christian service, vocation, and discipleship. What does it mean to share our faith journey with St. Paul’s family? I will introduce this fall’s formation opportunities.
September 20 – The Baptism of Elijah Mize
Together we will celebrate Elijah’s baptism and, in doing so, renew our own Baptismal Covenant, remembering that every ministry begins with our identity as baptized Christians.
October – Newcomer Gathering
An opportunity to deepen relationships, answer questions, and help newcomers continue discerning their place within the life of St. Paul’s.
October 25 – Sending of Joseph Reese
As Joseph concludes his internship, we will celebrate his ministry among us and remember that the Church both welcomes and sends disciples into the world.
November 1 – All Saints’ Sunday
We will formally welcome those who have become part of our parish family, giving thanks for the communion of saints that continues to grow in every generation.
November 15 – Commitment Sunday
Together we will renew our commitment to Christ and to one another through worship, our annual commitment, and a parish luncheon celebrating God’s faithfulness.
Mutual Ministry Review
As we conclude this season, we will reflect together on where God has led us and prayerfully discern where the Holy Spirit is calling us next.
Looking Ahead
When the time is right, I would love for us to host a Ministry Fair. My hope is that by then it will not simply be a place where ministries recruit volunteers, but a joyful celebration of vocation—a place where people discover how God invites us to participate in Christ’s mission through the life of St. Paul’s. When we eventually host a Ministry Fair, it will not be the beginning of the journey, but one milestone along the way—a joyful celebration of the ways God has been forming us into the Body of Christ. Thank you for your wisdom and your willingness to walk this journey together. May God continue to guide us as we seek not simply to build ministries, but to form disciples who love Christ, love one another, and serve the world in his name.
Faithfully,
Fr. Andrew
