Rector's Report

November 15th, 2009

"Taking the God of love and justice and the God of grace seriously has immediate implications for the Christian message. It becomes: God loves us already and has from the very beginning. The Christian life is not about believing or doing what we need to believe or do that we can be saved. Rather, it's about seeing what is already true - that God loves us already - and then beginning to live in this relationship. It is about becoming conscious of and intentional about a deepening relationship with God."
The Heart of Christianity - Marcus Borg

I am enjoying our bi- weekly gathering to study Marcus Borg's book, The Heart of Christianity. We met this past Tuesday afternoon. As promised when we began this study some of the ideas are new and often challenging. The discussions have been very informative and represent the diverse range of thought now prevalent in our Christian faith. At the very least I believe our study will open up even greater possibilities for our lives and for our relationship with God. Our next session will be on Thursday, November 26th at 2:00 p.m. rather than Tuesday of that week. This schedule change is necessary as I will be away at a meeting of Regional Deans on that Tuesday.

I was pleased to attend and speak at the Remembrance Day service at the Lakeside Legion on November 11th. A number of parishioners from our parish were present and overall the event was well attended. It is indeed important that we remember our veterans on this day. It is equally important that we remember them every day with our own efforts to bring about the peace that they so gallantly seek.

I spent a good part of the day Thursday making preparations for Bishop Sue Moxley's Episcopal visit to the Region of Fort Sackville. As Regional Dean I am tasked with preparing the itinerary for her visit. She will be present at a number of events in our region next week. If you would like to meet the bishop she will be at St. Thomas in Fall River Wednesday morning to celebrate Eucharist and participate in Bible Study. Also on Tuesday evening, beginning at 6:15 p.m., junior youth (grades 1-6) are invited to join other youth at St. Francis in Lower Sackville to spend time with Bishop Sue.

Parish Council met on Thursday evening at it's regular monthly meeting to deal with the business of the parish. We were pleased to have a representative of the firm CB Richard Ellis, the group marketing the St. Luke's property, present to answer councils questions regarding the sale. A tentative deal which we had reached appears no longer viable. However, we were told that there has been a fair amount of interest in the property and prospects for its sale remain good.

On Friday morning I made a visit to the hospital and was pleased to find that none of our parishioners were listed as inpatients. As always I encourage you to let me know if you are scheduled to go into hospital or if you are sick at home and desire to be visited.

I write this note on Friday and as I do so I anticipate the Turkey Supper which will take place tomorrow. I have heard it said that the best cooks in the community are at St. Andrew's. There is no disputing that fact. Thanks to all who make this annual supper a success, especially to our senior warden, Linda Strachan, who puts in many hours on behalf of the parish.

May Gods blessing be upon you in the week ahead.

Rev. Mike