The Rector’s Reflections:

A few weeks ago, I attended the Province One Stewardship and Evangelism Conference in Westborough, Massachusetts with a few other members of Trinity. My time there was well spent. There were stimulating talks given by a variety of speakers. There were workshops which expanded our understanding of stewardship, evangelism and congregational growth. And best of all, there were interesting and inspirational Episcopalians from all parts of New England to meet throughout the weekend.

I hope that you will read Sue Chagnon’s reflection on this same weekend included in this newsletter. Her words say so well how uplifting these few days turned out to be.

I particularly enjoyed the opportunities to hear other Christians share their stories, to listen to how others understand stewardship, how they worship, how they welcome visitors, and what missions they are passionate about. I found people to be pretty honest about the challenges of parish ministry. Everyone could tell some “success” stories, but no one had all the answers. People talked openly about the challenges they had faced or were still facing. There was always more to do. God was always calling them on to something new.

As I left the conference to return to Trinity I wondered how God is calling us to bring new life to our stewardship plans or to our worship or our missions. When Bishop Scruton visited with the vestry last week, he asked everyone to tell him where they see good news happening and where they see challenge. It was helpful to hear the thoughts around the room and to see that there was quite a bit of consensus. The next step for the vestry will be to draw a new map for our journey, based upon some of these observations.

I would like to share with you the words of a hymn by Carl Daw that was sung at the end of the Conference. It sounds like a pretty good prayer for all of us as we continue the work of parish ministry together.

Faith begins by letting go, giving up what had seemed sure, Taking risks and pressing on, though the way feels less secure. Pilgrimage both right and odd, trusting all our life to God.

Faith endures by holding on, keeping memry’s roots alive So that hope may bear its fruit; promise-fed our souls will thrive, Not through merit we possess but by God’s great faithfulness.

Faith matures by reaching out, stretching minds, enlarging hearts,
Sharing struggles, living prayer. binding up the broken parts; Till we find the commonplace ripe with witness to God’s grace.