Dear Friends, 

           By grace, good things are happening here at Marsh.  Your prayers and gifts have helped them along.  Let me provide a brief overview of some of the more significant changes during this last year. 

      Voice.  Our connection to the New England radio congregation remains strong.  We also are finding partners across the country.  City by city, we are making our way toward a full, national, partnership in the gospel. Weekly, we hear the gratitude of the listenership.  What Scott Jarrett is able to do with our choir is just outstanding.  I set as a goal for 2008 to speak or teach in ten churches or other settings, and as of March 13, already have done ten.  Yet, we have much work to do. Over time, we hope to expand our NPR broadcast, city by city, across the country.

      Vocation.  Over the last year, we have converted our staff to a vocationally focused team.  Three full time people have moved on to other callings.  Now Br. Larry Whitney, full time Chaplain, works with nine associates developing their vocational direction and the ministry of the chapel to nine sub-groups at Boston University.  For next year we have four chapel associates, four ministry interns, and, in addition, two undergraduates ('Marsh Associates'), who will work for us as they discover whether or not the ministry is for them.  To hear the sense of calling experienced by the next generation, don't miss Sunday May 11, in which three BU seniors will speak on the theme, "This I Believe." 

      Volume. Our current Sunday attendance hovers around 140, about half our goal for the future, and a modest increase from last year.  We are making headway.  Our combined radio audience, snail mail mailing list and e-newsletter reach an approximate total of 31,690.  Roughly 2,000 people use the Marsh building in a given week.  So, the volume is slowly turning up, but we have much work to do.  Our database is still in need of attention.  We do not yet have all the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses we need.  Our stewardship habits are in need of attention as well.  Over the next decade we hope to finish the endowment of the Dean's position, renovate the building and develop interfaith housing.

      In short, there is
much for which we are thankful during this Easter season.  I include, with the conclusion of this letter, a sincere prayer for your personal health, growth in faith, and developing service in the world. 

      Grace and peace, 

      Bob Hill

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