Rector's Report
Jan. 26 - Feb. 1
In
the wake of the conflict that has broken out between Israel and the region of
Gaza our primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, has asked us to say a special prayer
for peace in this region which has a long history of human suffering.
Almighty
God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed;
Kindle,
we pray thee, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide
with thy pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of
the earth; that in tranquility thy kingdom may go forward, till the earth is
filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
I
was pleased to meet with our wardens and Rev. Judie this week. Following last
Sunday's annual meeting it is exciting to meet, to welcome Lloyd Miller into
this new position of leadership, to plan for the future both by building on
our strengths and accomplishments, and by looking at new and innovative ways
to grow our community as a witnessing voice for God's people and God's world.
It
was a pleasure this past Monday to be at the ordination of Cheryl Rafuse who
was ordained a deacon at St. Timothy's in Hatchet Lake. Surrounded by a cloud
of witnesses who came to pray for and support Cheryl's ministry those who gathered
had the opportunity to see the Church at it's best. A sign of strength, a 'yes'
to the world that God is important in our lives and that the gathered Church
will continue it's mission to proclaim the Gospel not only with our words but
with our actions.
I
was pleased to represent our parish by visiting the hospital this week, where
I made one visit to a parishioner. In addition to visiting the hospital I was
pleased to visit with several members of our congregation in their homes and
in my office. In addition to these visits I was privileged to do a home communion.
I
ask your prayers this week for the family and friends of Barbara Ninos
who passed away on January 28th. I met with the family several times during
the week to offer prayers and plan the funeral liturgy. I will officiate at
the funeral at the Atlantic funeral Home on Bayer's Road on Saturday, Jan.31st.
I
will be on vacation for the next two weeks. During my absence Rev. Judie (Tel:
446-0229) will be available for pastoral emergencies and other matters can be
referred to our wardens, Linda Strachan
(Tel:
876-0292) or Lloyd Miller (Tel: 876-8508).
Blessings,
Rev.
Mike