Dear All Saints' Family,

It's spring, it's warm, the flowers are blooming, the trees are turning green, and, most of all, we are in the season of Easter. Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia! Watching the earth come to life after our long winter is always one of my real joys. Watching people grow and experience new life in Christ is even a greater joy. I pray this Easter season be a time of renewal and growth for all of us.

I am also reading about the event that is about to make us all seek cover: The 17-year cicada infestation. I didn't have the privilege of experiencing such an event on the west coast; we had other things to worry about like earthquakes. From what I read and hear, it's going to be a real treat, especially for folks like me who are not real fond of bugs. The men's group is passing around favorite cicada recipes over the Internet. Yuck! I guess you have to make the best of what seems to be inevitable circumstances; which leads me to my point.

Our Church has been challenged by unusual, if not inevitable, circumstances over the past couple of years. The national Church is seeing the effects of the decisions made at last year's General Convention, our Diocese is struggling with budget shortfalls, and we  continue to experience the challenges relating to growth and space limitations. We all need to make the best of circumstances while continuing to be faithful to the mission and ministry God has called us to. What a wonderful time to live into our faith and watch our Lord lead us through these troubling times.

When we face challenges it is not the time to stagnate or fall back but a time to watch for Lord to act. We can never forget the words of Moses when he led the children of Israel to the Red Sea. "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord" (Exodus 14:13 RSV)! Clay Lawson has laid out the implications of our own budget shortfall in his newsletter article, and the Vestry is doing all it can to ensure that we will be good stewards of our resources. We have stepped out in faith to add staff and property in order to meet the needs of our congregation. However, it would be a grave error to fall back and lose focus.

A leader in the church recently said, "Think back when God gave your church is vision for the future. Do you believe that God didn't know what challenges you would face? Be faithful, keep focused on the work of God, and pray for the resolve to meet the challenges ahead." This is good advice for us. I ask everyone to pray and seek what the Lord is saying to you. Can I increase my pledge? Increase the time I give to the ministry of Christ/ Be more diligent in study, prayer, and involvement? I believe we will see the salvation of the Lord and in time he will receive the glory and honor.

May the blessing of God be with you this Easter and always.

Fr. David