Rectors Report
March 11th, 2012

Ecological Simplicity - to choose ways of living that touch the Earth more lightly and that reduce our ecological impact on the web of life. This life-path remembers our deep roots with the Earth, air and water. It encourages us to connect with nature, the seasons and the cosmos. A natural Simplicity feels a deep reverence for the community of life on Earth and accepts that the no-human realms of plants and animals have their dignity and rights as well as humans.                                                 - Essay by Duane Elgin

I was pleased to meet with Marilyn Hamlin, our postulant for the Vocational Diaconate, as she readies herself in the final months before her ordination. Marilyn will have a pre-ordination assessment  April and, God willing, will be ordained a deacon at All Saints Cathedral on June 11th. Please continue to keep Marilyn in your prayers as she continues in this process.

Rev. Judie and I met during the week to discuss recommendations from the Spiritual Development Committee regarding special services to take place in our parish. Of note is a service on April 15th during which we will remember the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Special invitations will be extended that day to those dedicated to service when tragedy strikes, police, fire, search and rescue, military, and medical personal. Also please note that a Special Family - Children`s Service planned for April 29th. On this day the Sunday School will take a lead role in our worship.

I was at AST on Wednesday afternoon to listen to a presentation by our theological student, Rob Elford. His presentation on what it means to be Anglican and Christian was well researched, written and presented. The conclusions that Rob arrived at are relevant to our own parish. I have invited Rob to share his report with us as part of a Lenten Retreat Day on March 31st. Reserve the date and make plans to attend. more details will be available next week.

David Dellapina, Honorary Assistant Priest in our parish, and I chatted on Thursday morning. We are fortunate that as of this time David calls this parish home, although he is often called to minister in other parishes when priestly ministry is required because of an absence. David also provides pastoral support to the congregation of All Saints Cathedral. David and I have been good friends since our years together at AST and I look forward to comparing schedules with him to find times when he would be available take part in worship services here at St. Andrew's.

The 2012 Parish Council will be installed at our services next Sunday morning. I encourage all members of Parish Council to be present to commit to this ministry and I encourage congregants to come out to show their support. If the enthusiasm shown at Parish Council on Thursday night is any example of what is to come we are in for an exciting year here in the parish.

As we continue our Lenten journey I pray that each of us may take the time to renew and strengthen our relationship with our Lord. I pray that that relationship may then be evidenced by our service to one another in God's world and that what we do is truly a blessing to God's holy name.

Rev. Mike