Dear All Saints' Family,
When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippian Church, his ministry had
been long and fruitful. His personal spiritual growth and the success of
his mission trips were unmistakable, and he could have retired knowing
that he had been a good and faithful servant. Instead Paul urged the
Church to do as he did, "To press on." The work of God is never done and
He calls always to press on. When we struggle, God provides grace, and
when we face obstacles God gives us wisdom to overcome. When we see
success, God allows us to rejoice, when we are content, God moves us
forward. I am reminded of the words of Ecclesiastes, "For everything
there is a season" (Ec. 3:1 RSV).
God has been gracious to All Saints' Church over the past years. We
have seen His hand at work in individual lives, in our corporate life,
and in our many programs and activities. God has provided us with an
extraordinary place to gather. He ha provided us with excellent leaders
and faithful servants to oversee our youth, worship, education, finance,
and fellowship. He has given us an excellent staff, both paid and
volunteer, to carry on His work. We have men and women with a passion
for the Gospel and a commitment to spiritual growth. We have young
people who love the Lord and share that love with enthusiasm. We have
much to be grateful for, and yet we are called to press on.
Our vestry has worked hard over the past months to seek ways to move
us toward the "prize for which God has called us heavenward in
Christ Jesus". They have dealt with institutional and financial
constraints that have hindered our ability to reach beyond our
boundaries. The vestry has been diligent in seeking the guidance and
will of the Holy Spirit. We are blessed to have such wonderful, Godly
leadership. Our vestry is committed to pressing on. Please continue to
keep them in your prayers.
Over the long hot summer we will be looking at how we might better
carry out the work of God more efficiently and faithfully. Financial
constraints have limited us, and we are discerning how best to develop a
better sense of stewardship. We will continue the discussion about our
adult education programs, and how we might enhance them. We will be
discussing ways that we can work with the calendar to better utilize our
limited space. We will be seeking the Lord's direction in joining with
other Episcopal churches in our area to provide exciting new
opportunities for education and ministry. In short we are looking for
ways to press on.
Over the summer I pray that God will provide you with opportunities
to recharge your batteries and continue to grow in His grace and love. I
ask for your prayers as we press on toward the future in response to the
call of Christ. Lastly, I ask for your continued financial support for
the mission and ministry of All Saints' Church: That we will faithfully
"strive to be a place where people come to know Jesus Christ, are
transformed to His glory, and become witnesses to God's unchangeable
word."
In Christ,
Fr. David
