Dear People of God,

This past year was filled with personal joys as well as challenges. We have shared many good times and sad times and faced challenges that have caused our faith in God and one another to grow. The year saw the birth of first grandchild Emma in February and my second, Aidan, in December, and then Julia's graduation from college and the beginning of her teaching career. A joy and milestone for this congregation was the purchase of the property at 201 Chatsworth and hiring of our assistant Dan Tuton and the arrival of his family. In the midst of these personal joys we witnessed the war with Iraq, economic struggle and recovery, a harsh winter followed by a very wet summer, the actions of General Convention which is rending our communion apart, and the frustration involved in making the 201 property livable.

In spite of all that has happened, the congregation of All Saints' has remained faithful, sustained steady growth, and  continued to be a place where people have discovered and grown in their relationship with God and one another. Thanks be to God and to you for your faithfulness and support. "God is God", and as long as I remember that, we will be all right.

Last year the vestry made deep cuts in the program budget, which later were restored after we received a number of late pledges. This year we also have stepped out in faith praying that God will provide for our needs through your generous support. This coming year will be a challenge as we wade through the issues facing the Episcopal Church while remaining faithful to our mission and ministry. We continue to ask for your prayers and support as we anticipate with joy what the Lord has in store for us.

Finally, I would like to urge everyone to plan to attend the annual Meeting this year on Sunday, January 18. We will hold vestry elections, answer your questions on the state of the church, and present a challenge budget. I also would like to thank the three members of the vestry that have served their terms. Kerry McNamara, Merrill Sumey, and Richard Reier have given their time and talent to the vestry and their work is greatly appreciate by all. i f you have an opportunity to thank them personally, please do so.

I would like to wish you all a blessed and happy New Year, and may the Lord prosper you and fill you wit His grace and love.

Fr. David