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Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11: 1 NRSV)
January 2007
Dear All Saints' Family,
Happy New Year to all! I went
back and read several past newsletter articles that I had written, and
every January they seem to have a common theme. The theme is
thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and grace over the past year, and a
prayer for the challenges and changes that lie ahead. I do thank the
Lord for getting us through another wonderful year at All Saints' and
look forward in faith to the challenges and changes that are to come. We
will face a number of changes and challenges in 2007, but if we have
faith, we will move forward with the confidence of knowing that God is
always with us.
One huge change begins on
January 1 with the official retirement of Thelma Mack as our
administrative assistant. I cannot tell you what Thelma has meant to me
personally and to this congregation. Truth is that Thelma is
irreplaceable and operations in the office will change as we seek
someone to fill the role. Until we find a replacement we will cover the
office with volunteers and ask for your patience during the transition.
Please keep Thelma, Jim and her family in your prayers. Thelma is
scheduled for hip replacement surgery shortly after Christmas, and we
will schedule a proper sendoff when she fully recovers.
Our budget presents us with
another set of challenges this coming year. Many of our parishioners
have increased their giving, and we thank God for that, but we haven't
heard back from a number of parishioners and our estimated income is
based on the hard numbers turned in. The result is a shortfall that may
force us to take drastic measures if the trend continues. By mid-year,
everything will be on the table, including staff, ministries.
maintenance, and programs.
Another change will come with
the retirement of Bishop Ihloff in April. The diocese is forming search
committee to select candidates who will stand for election in March
2008. In the meantime, Bishop Raab will take over as Bishop in Charge
until a new bishop is consecrated. The good news is that Bishop Rabb has
expressed privately and publicly that he supports the provisions of the
Windsor Report and intends to remain a constituent member of the
Anglican Communion. This is very encouraging news in that it supports
the position our vestry has taken and provides hope in light of
anticipated actions by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the global
Primates.
With these and other
challenges yet unknown, may we keep our eyes on Jesus, practice our
faith, and in the words of the psalmist, "Be still and know that I am
God."
Peace and blessings,
Fr. David+
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