Rectors Report
April 22nd, 2012

Jesus himself stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you."

As we continue in these fifty days of the Easter season I pray that the message of Easter still resides clearly in our hearts and minds that we might know the peace of which Jesus speaks.

I was pleased to find peace in several places and circumstances in the parish this week. I was twice at the bedside of one of our parishioners who is a resident in a nursing home. Her years, her days, of service to the gospel of the Risen Lord are growing short. I was pleased to offer the ministry of presence, to pray with her and to offer God's blessing. Please keep Minnie Dunn in your prayers, and pray for her family especially Bev and Brian and Pauline and Lester.

I was privileged to make two other nursing home visits this week at Melville Lodge. The deep faith of our parishioners, who are residents there, is witness to the peace of which Jesus spoke.

I made a visit to the palliative care unit at the VG where a parishioner is a patient. In the midst of sorrow and in shadow of imminent death, were signs of life and laughter.... acknowledgement of what is and courage and peace to face the future. Please keep Harold Beaver and his wife Una in your prayers.

I was pleased to meet with a number of people in my office this week... some just to chat, others with various concerns. The opportunity to chat, to communicate is a great source of peace.

I make mention of it every time they do it and so I will again. The Ladies Group yard sale always amazes me. When I went downstairs on Friday morning the scene was to say the least chaotic. At least that’s how it seemed to me. But the ladies sorted organized and made the tables ready for their sale on Saturday. And lo and behold people came, and bought things.... by the bag full. By bringing order and peace to this situation the Ladies group demonstrates that all is possible.

It was also most rewarding to see a great turnout of parishioners involved in the cleanup of the church grounds and cemetery. Keeping our property beautiful and well maintained is a ministry of itself. If we are to praise God it is important to make a statement about how we take care of the resources given to us. Thank you.

I was pleased to meet briefly with Marilyn Hamlin, our postulant for the vocational diaconate. Marilyn’s pre-ordination assessment takes place this Thursday. Keep her in your prayers this week.

Every day is a good day to let our actions be a blessing to God’s holy name. But let’s make a special effort during this Easter season. A special effort so that our actions now might become a habit that continue throughout the year. That the love of Christ may shine through all of us and that we truly are a blessing to God in god’s kingdom here on earth.

Blessings
Rev. Mike