For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building. I Cor. 3:39
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
These two verses perfectly capture for me what I see happening here at St. Stephen's. The first verse describes what we are doing, the second where we are going. The phrase that links them is "working together."
Last Sunday the Vestry and Search Committee gathered for what turned out to be an amazing meeting. The group learned that the parish is facing serious financial challenges. Rather than let that get us down, though, the group's response was one of energetic resolve and confident determination. Yes, there are difficulties, but what became clear is that this will prove no match for St. Stephen's many strengths - no match for its enthusiasm or its hope; no match for its dedication to Jesus; no match for the love we at St. Stephen have for one another - no match, that is, for St. Stephen's determination to bring its enthusiasm and its hope, its dedication and its love all together for the glory of God and the service of those in need.
As one person in the group put it: "I don't intend this to be a time when we all just sit in a holding pattern. I want this to be a time of renewal."
Renewal it will be!
All we need to do is work together as God's servants - all of us, every one. We are God's church after all, God's field. It is God who is cultivating us so we will certainly bear fruit. And it is when we all work together for God, that things work together for good. That is what's happening here at St. Stephen's. Just watch and see.
Peace and grace,
Ernie
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