Dear Friends,
It was my privilege this past weekend to leading a teaching mission at St. John's Episcopal Church in Decatur Illinois. A life long friend The Rev. Chuck Reischman received a call to be the Rector there about nine months ago and he asked me to come and share about Moving Forward in Mission and Ministry. St. John's is a beautiful downtown church with a long and rich history. There has been some social and economic decline in the area and they are about the task of reinventing themselves for ministry. The people were eager, attentive and kind as they love their church and one another. Though the task was very different from "church planting" there are some similar aspects in terms of identity and understanding the call as; Great Commandment + Great Commission = a Great Church.
One of the highlights of doing a teaching mission like this is getting to tell Incarnation's story in Oviedo. God has led us so far, so fast and I have to admit I am still amazed at all God has done. It has been a lot of work by a vast number of people to be where we are as a mission congregation and the work continues (hope you will pitch in this weekend for the rummage sale). It is a labor of joy because at the heart of it we are seeing lives changed for the sake of Christ and his Kingdom established in us and through us.
We are about the task of building the church, that is the people knit together in faith, hope and love. Yes we will build a campus on the property, buildings and structures that will serve the church - the people - in the work of the Gospel. When I look at other congregations I can get a bit envious of the things they have for their worship: stained glass, beautiful space, kneelers, and more. I keep reminding myself - we are in a sojourn and one day we will have those things. I can say with confidence we have all we need right now and are blessed in the fellowship hall at RTS.
I cannot help but think there are priests, pastors and people who look at Incarnation and are envious of what we have; our fellowship, vision and calling; the love and comfort we share with one another in Christ. Buildings will come and go, accessories will get worn out but the love we share for Christ and in Christ will last forever. Truly the Lord is our Shpeherd and everything we need is provided by Him.
Please pray for St. John's in Decatur, Illinois as they move forward in Jesus.
Living where blessings abound!
The Rev. Jon Davis+ / Vicar |
