Rectors Report
JANUARY 8th, 2012
'The Baptism of the Lord"
As we gather following the first full week of a new year it is appropriate that baptism should be our focus. The BAS says:
Baptism is the sign of new life in Christ. Baptism unites Christ with his people. The union is both individual and corporate. Christians are, it is true, baptized one by one, but to be a Christian is to be part of a new creation which rises from the dark waters of Christ's death into the dawn of his risen life. Christians are not just baptized individuals; they are a new humanity.

Reminders of that new, or ongoing, humanity present themselves each and every week in the life of our parish. This week in the care and concern and the prayers for the Slade family as they mourn the death of the family patriarch, Harold whose funeral took place here on Saturday morning.

Other reminders this week took place as I met with Rev. Judie as we look forward to the opportunities and challenges for our own ministry in the parish this year. I was pleased to meet with the parish wardens as we made plans regarding our Annual General Meeting to both evaluate the year that was and plan the year that is to come. I was pleased to meet with our theological student, Rob Elford, whose presence in our parish, is a sign of dedicated service to continuing the practice and preaching on the Good News. I was pleased to have a meeting to plan a wedding to take place in our church in September of this year. In all these things we are reminded of God's presence among us, and our obedience to our baptismal call to a new life in Christ.

Many New Year's resolutions come and go. My prayer, for this year, is that the resolution we make in baptism not only remains with us, but grows in us, so that in word and deed we bless God's holy name.
- Rev. Mike