I am always amazed when I come back from being gone on a Sunday. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, I believe that is true.   This Mission continues to be a joy and I am so blessed to be the Vicar. I have to ask, Why?  I know many clergy who are biding their time, waiting for retirement or looking for the next call hoping it will be more fulfilling.   I know congregations that have the reputation of being a "clergy killer" making unreasonable demands on their priests and pastors as to quickly burn them out.  Sometimes it is a combination of both.

Here I am, two and a half  years into this calling and I am energized, feeling like we are just getting started and eager to see what happens each day in the life of this mission called Incarnation.  I think there are a few reasons why...

     A Community - I see God molding us into a people who care for one   
     another. We are living into the Great Commandment of  loving Him and
     loving each other.  I see the smiles and the fellowship after a service
     and I sense some real connection between folks is taking place. This is
     not just about our worship duty but rather we are living into a
     relationship with the Lord and one another that has purpose, meaning
     and tangible love.

     The Kingdom - In conversations I hear people engaged in the idea to
     be an "Outpost for the Kingdom of God".   This was spoken early on in
     our life and I believe a prophetic word for understanding our calling in
     this place, at this time.  There is an eternal aspect to Incarnation as a
     church.  Yes, it is feeding us in our spiritual lives but more so we are
     shining a light in this darkness that says there is a better way to live. By
     the disciplines of prayer, study, worship, fellowship, service we are  
     "being" the church in intentional ways day in and day out.

     The Holy Spirit - I deeply believe in this mission we have been given
     an anointing of the Holy Spirit to exercise the calling we have.  It is a
     necessary provision for us and God is pouring out His Spirit on us
     "to be and do".  I will speak to this issue directly on Sunday as we look
     at the Baptism of Jesus.

I have reconnected with a lot of folks lately (mainly through Facebook). In doing so it is like going to a school reunion where you tell the same story over and over.  I am doing this, my is doing that we have 2 kids and they are so and so...   I never tire and of telling the story of Incarnation (both the biblical one and the one of a church plant in Oviedo).  I find myself ending these various posts with... Incarnation is growing and blessings abound.  It is true for me and pray so for all of you.

Peace and Grace,
Jon+
Vicar