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There
is a time for everything, and a season for every activity
under heaven." (Ecclesiastes
3:1 NIV)
October 2007
Greetings to you all in
the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:
Let me begin by saying that Janet's and my
sabbatical was one of the most life giving and life changing events in
our lives. We were privileged to live and minister in Uganda and
Tanzania among the poorest of poor, and yet we found these souls to be
spiritually rich in many ways. The moments we spent with each other,
family, and our new friends were priceless. We look forward to a time
when we can gather as a congregation to share the impact of our journey
with you all. First we need to edit the 3,400 photos and 14 plus hours
of video lest we keep you up for days. We are excited about our
companion relationship with St. Andrew's Cathedral and will be forming a
committee to make connections and share ministry ideas. We were also
awed by the overwhelming needs of the people of East Africa and will be
exploring ways to raise funds to help with so many worthy projects.
The second leg of our journey was filled with
discoveries of God's beauty in creation and visiting places of which we
had only dreamed. After a few days with family in Zurich, Sara, Janet
and I visited England. I might add that the Flicos family sends its
love. We drove through Italy and Slovenia to Croatia where we visited
ancient Roman ruins, blue water and experienced abundant sunshine. On
the way back, we stopped in Venice and Torison, Italy and came home the
long way over the Swiss Alps. It was breathtaking. Our final visit was
to the home of my ancestors in Vienna, Austria where we enjoyed a Mozart
concert, ate local fare, and learned a great deal about European
history.
Now that we are back, we are faced with the
challenge of organizational change as we approach the months ahead
without the luxury of an assistant priest. Fr. Anthony will continue to
help, but we will need to fill the many gaps left with the departure of
the Tutons. The above verse came to me the morning we said goodbye to
the Tuton family as they begin their journey to Albuquerque and Hope
Church. The Saturday farewell part and Fr. Dan's emotion packed final
service on Sunday were a strong testimony to the fine ministry and
friendship that we shared over the past four years. But as the write of
Ecclesiastes said, "There is a time for everything and a season for
every activity under heaven." It was definitely time for Fr. Dan to take
on the responsibility of a rector, and it is time for us to move forward
and listen intently to our Lord for future direction and guidance.
I ask your patience as we get our feet on the
ground and as we find ways to meet the many pastoral needs of our
congregation. I ask your prayers as we negotiate through greater Church
issues, our expansion project, and we thank the Lord daily for the
wonderful place called All Saints'.
God's blessings,
Fr. David+
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