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| Newsletter: The Chronicle: October 2005 | |
The Chronicle: October 2005
THE PONY EXPRESS SPRINTS OFF TO A QUICK START
After quite a bit of preparation, Saint Matthew's stewardship campaign "Pony Express" has finally begun. The General Managers of this effort are Gene and Susan Doswell. Gene and Susan, along with many others, have been working very hard in preparation for the run which began on Sunday, September 25th. Their preparation included signing up Trail Bosses to manage the "run"; identifying and organizing the "routes" for the "run" (no route is larger than 10 families); arranging a "Trail Boss Breakfast" as a kick-off event; and organizing mailings and letters, as well as speaking at church services on Sundays to explain the campaign to the congregation. Now that the preparation work is done, all Gene and Susan have left to do is watch and wait and follow-up with their Trail Bosses, and, of course, pray.
The concept of the Pony Express was chosen by the Vestry primarily because of the fine example set by the highly dedicated riders of the original Pony Express. All were willing to overcome whatever obstacles might be in the way to complete their leg of the run. In addition to their personal commitment, the secret of their success lay in their ability to work together as a team S each rider dependent on the other to make the "relay" system work and speed the mail on to its final destination.
Over the six weeks that the campaign runs, the saddlebags will make their way along the routes to the families of Saint Matthew's Church. Each family will be asked to do its part to keep the "church mail" running to the final destination.
This approach gives each family within Saint Matthew's the ability and responsibility to make the stewardship campaign a success. In addition to their personal commitment, the secret of the success is in the route members' ability to work together as a team S each rider dependent on the other to make the "relay" system work and speed the church mail on to its final destination.
Despite the focus on the logistics of moving the mail, we should not forget to take time to consider our Estimate of Giving carefully and prayerfully. Take time to reflect on the gratitude you feel toward God for His goodness to you. Become aware of the financial resources He has entrusted to you. Then, consider the Christian stewardship giving response that is appropriate for you to make at this time.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR SEMINARIAN
In these days of natural disaster on our own shores, the death and destruction of war in more distant lands and the ever present threat of terrorist attack, you may well be asking yourself, where is grace and where is peace? The assault on our emotional reserves and our desire to offer relief and hope can be 24/7 if you even glance at TV or read a newspaper or listen to the word on the street. We are writing checks to aid the displaced and helpless victims of Katrina; we are sending fervent prayers for God's mercy; many are doing more than that as part of the direct relief efforts.
Yet in the midst of seeming chaos, the Lord is present S our brothers and sisters are getting food and medicine, shelter and education. There is hope even when all seems hopeless. There are many ears ready to listen and be present with those who need to grieve; many arms ready to offer a gentle embrace; many hands and feet working hard to cook meals and reconnect families. This outpouring of love is a tremendous source of comfort to the suffering and the living example of Christ's presence in our midst.
Even as we deal compassionately and generously with such major events in our communities as the aftermath of hurricanes and the tensions of war, it is perhaps in the everyday moments of our lives that we struggle to see, offer or accept the small mercies of God's abundant grace. Ask yourself what was more challenging for you S writing a generous check to help the victims of Katrina, or slowing down so a couple of cars could get ahead of you in rush hour traffic when you were late for work? It can indeed be a challenge to respect all the opportunities available in each day to share God's grace.
Blessings, Sue Wilmot
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE IN KANSAS CITY
What are the responsibilities of church leaders? To teach what they know about the Bible, celebrate the Eucharist, visit those in poor health and mourning? I think everyone has an opinion about what should be on any clergy's to_do list. I think watching the awesome ministry team here at Saint Matthew's could give a well rounded answer. I watch the days go by and the things that "need" to get done pile up. Being on a church staff can be as overwhelming at times as it can be amazingly rewarding! In the middle of the traditional roles of ministers, one of the most significant tasks can be to take a back seat.
A recent trip to Kansas City and the Foundation for Theological Education's (FTE) Congregational Partners Conference helped relight one fire of ministry inside John Hall, Andy Hall, and me. What are we doing as ministers to help those who hear a "call" respond to that call? Workshops on church and youth culture, discernment, and developing a culture of call, to name a few; and sessions on recognizing that call in others all added up to equal a huge challenge for us! We want Saint Matthew's to be a place where people can move from discipleship to ministry. We want to encourage those considering ministry, on any level, to listen to God's voice in their heart. Jesus said in Matthew 4:19, "Come, follow me." Can ministry really be that simple? Do you hear that call? Saint Matthew's desires to be a place where you can say yes to God; a place where ministers are raised up. Thanks to our time at FTE's conference, we re_recognize this challenge.
Mandy Hodges
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