Today in our liturgy we leave the stories of Christmas behind moving from the manger and the new born baby, moving from the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus and his mother forward in time to when Jesus is about to begin his ministry among and with the people the people in and around Galilee. Today we celebrate the beginning of that ministry in the gospel of Mark as Jesus is baptized by John in the River Jordan. We are told in this gospel passage that as Jesus was baptized, “the heavens were torn apart and the spirit descended like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven saying, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’

As we minister to one another in this parish in our day to day lives it is important to remember those words. For as we were baptized into the Church so to God speaks those very same words to us. “You are my beloved.”

As such I give thanks for the ministry that I as your priest, and you as a community provide each and every week. This week I was pleased to meet with the Pastoral Care Committee as we discussed and planned the work of taking care of the members of our community. Through regular contact, visits to the sick and shut-ins, letters of encouragement and sometimes simple a listening ear and warm smiles this committee reflects the love of Christ and says of those with whom they come in contact, “You are my beloved.”

I was pleased to see Rev. Judie on Tuesday, back from her trip to see family over Christmas, and joyful for the news she received on Monday that she was on the road to recovery. We welcome her back this morning.

I was pleased to be able to meet with the Prayer Group on Wednesday morning, to reflect on scripture, discuss areas of common concern, to learn from one another and to pray for the concerns of our community and the world.

I was pleased also to visit the home of Janet Benight, a beloved member of our community, now facing a grave cancer diagnosis. We shared time together and shared in the gifts of the Holy Eucharist.

On Thursday evening the Parish Council met, the last regular meeting of this council before the annual general meeting. This council has served faithfully throughout the year, their ministry a reflection of their love for the work of the church in this community.

Friday I was pleased to make my regular visit to the hospitals. There were no parishioners in hospital on that day but two individuals from our communities from our Anglican tradition were there. One individual was on his way home the other was out of his room for tests but in both cases I left reminders of the fact that our church was present and doing the work we are called to do. Blessings, Rev. Mike