Dear Friends,

We had a rich time on the vestry retreat this past weekend.  Out of our prayer, contemplation and discussion we emerged with this thought: It is time for us to grow.  There is much we can be commended for in the life of Incarnation.  There is also more for us to do.  There is this deep sense that we are to reach out and be prepared to receive people into the church. We came up with several initiatives we sense are essential in the days ahead.  Some are practical and measurable...

We will begin work on an Incarnation Marquee - that is a sign when you come on the campus that explains; This is how you do Incarnation on the Canterbury Campus.  (we have needed this for awhile)

We will update our database and directory of the congregation.

We will work on some Operational procedures in terms of filling the gaps in our ministry (Nursery, Acolytes, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Guild and more)

We will work on our communication and specifically: Marketing and Advertising - how do we broadcast the Incarnation story - who we are, what we value, what we do to this community and beyond.  I am sure we will use web based, social media, You Tube, and more to let folks know we are here.

Community Outreach - How can we help the poor and needy? How can we serve the community?  How do we go into all the world to make disciples?

There were other items as well but this gives you a sense of what God is saying to us in this moment. So get ready, roll up your sleeves, dream big, pray, fast, study, listen God is beginning something new in us and through us and you don't want to miss a single moment.  It is time for us to grow the ministry of the Kingdom and change the world...

in the Mission,
The Centrality of the Cross video teaching continues in the Pastor's Class on Sunday at 9am.  Mike Atkins teaches this amazing video series on the Cross of Jesus unveiling the many profound moments that the cross mediates to those who believe. Please make every effort to attend this teaching as a part of your lenten journey this year, it will change your life.  You can read about Mike at... http://mikeatkinsministry.com/1-about.htm

Wednesdays in Lent we will have a soup supper and Lenten Prayer Meeting in the St. Augustine Chapel. (supper at 6pm / Prayer Meeting at 6:30pm)  It is a time to gather and fellowship and to pray and share in the Eucharist. This Wednesday February 27th we welcome The Rev. Stephen Daas / diocesan missionary to San Paulo, Brazil.  This week we will focus our prayers on World Missions. The goal is to create a quiet, contemplative space where we give God our undivided attention.