Dear Friends,
What a remarkable weekend. On Saturday we had a brilliant Diocesan Convention with a number initiatives designed to move us deeper into mission and ministry. We are blessed to be in a diocese that is focused on the Gospel going forth into all the world. I am eager to join with our brothers and sisters in Central Florida in these efforts and hope you are as well. For more information check out the Diocesan Website
We had our Annual Meeting on Sunday morning and Greg Seavers; Sherise Nelson; Jeff Woodside; Ed Ghiglieri and Brad Crandell were elected to vestry. There will be a planning meeting for the new vestry and staff on Saturday morning, February 7th. Pray for us as we seek to see our ministry grow in 2009. You can hear my portion of the state of the mission address on the website at Click Here
There is much ahead of us in 2009. Amid the specific programs and events my hope is we will continue to grow in our love for God and our love for each other. The more we do that - the more attractive we become to the world and they are able to see in us redemption and hope. On the last two Sundays the lessons have dealt specifically with calling. Ultimately our calling is to be like Jesus. We are to give, serve, submit, work and love like our King and Redeemer who models for us what true love is. When "things" (financial, relational, vocational, stress) press upon us we need to remember we are loved by God and need to let His love fill us and overflow through us.
Rev. Sarah sent me a post that was a gentle reminder of this truth from Max Lucado. I share with you below. May each of you have a blessed week in Jesus. I am yours...
in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Jon / Vicar
More than Meets the Eye
Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.
Hebrews 11:1 (NCV)
Faith is trusting what the eye can't see.
Eyes see the prowling lion. Faith sees Daniel's angel.
Eyes see storms. Faith sees Noah's rainbow.
Eyes see giants. Faith sees Canaan.
Your eyes see your faults. Your faith sees your Savior.
Your eyes see your guilt. Your faith sees his blood.
Your eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith you look in the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on your finger and the kiss of your Father on your face.
From: When God Whispers Your Name Copyright (Word Publishing, 1994) Max Lucado
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Lenten Retreat with Bishop Howe
Bishop Howe will be conducting his second annual Lenten Retreat at Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center, February 27 / 28. The topic is How To Give Away Your Faith. Bishop Howe is a gifted teacher and we will be challenged by him to effectively and articulately share the faith once received. I hope you will decide to make this part of your Lenten discipline - it promises to be a renewing experience of our mission and calling in Christ Jesus to go into all the world proclaiming the Gospel. Commuter rates are available. For more details and to register please check the following website... Bishop Howe / Lenten Retreat
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