Dear All Saints' Family,

When I arrived at All Saints' over six years ago, the Vestry formulated a vision statement that has been the foundation of our common ministry. It was a good statement, yet, like all things, it is important to be open to God's call and direction. At the February vestry retreat, we began to ask questions concerning where and what God is calling us to become over the next few years. As we shared our thoughts, common words and themes began to emerge which have been prayerfully reflected up over the past few months. At a special meeting of the vestry, the following statement was unanimously approved.

All Saints' strives to be a place where people come to know
 Jesus Christ, are transformed to His glory,
 and become witnesses to God's unchangeable Word.

What this statements reflects is the threefold mission God is calling us to fulfill. First, this is to be a place where all people come to know Jesus Christ. Everything we do be it worship, fellowship, study, meetings, should become an opportunity for people to  "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20 RSV). We seek to represent Jesus and his Holy Gospel always.

Second, we strive to be transformed to the glory of God. The Christian life is a life of continuous growth and formation. Paul tells us, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds..." (Romans 12:2 NRSV). He also calls us to grow "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13 NIV). We strive to be a church where this transformation can take place in a safe, loving environment. Our programs seek to be life giving and transforming to the glory of God.

Third, this is to be a place where we become witnesses to God's unchangeable Word. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (1 Timothy 3: 16-17 NIV). This statement has two fold meaning. We seek to be a church where the Holy Scripture is held in t6he highest respect and authority. All that we do is to be tested by the Word of God which is timeless and unchanging. We also are to take our relationship with God to the world around us to be witnesses of God's unfailing love.

I pray that God will continue to bless us with grace a we seek to fulfill our mission and ministry together.

May the Lord bless you all,

Fr. David