I pray that you are well and want to thank all of you who made the Presiding Bishop's visit to St. David's last Sunday such a wonderful occasion. She is so impressed with your energy, your spirit, the fellowship among you, and all that you are doing to live into our mission. She should be. You are an amazing group of people who have answered Jesus' calling in so many ways and it shows.

 

With the Presiding Bishop's visit to St. David's, I've been reflecting on greatness in all its forms. There is a greatness that we know when people rise up to positions of power and authority, like Katharine or some of the leaders of our day. There's greatness that we know when people become famous for using their gifts, for solving a medical problem, or for reaching certain heights in entertainment and sport. There are not-famous people, created by the media, who are real people achieving greatness. There is also the everyday greatness that we know and practice when we become our best selves and make a difference in the life of someone we know and love, or the life of a stranger.

 

Christ calls us all to greatness. The interesting aspect of greatness that we can all share in is service. The Presiding Bishop is a great leader because she sees her ministry as service to God, to us and to the world. The people who achieve a level of notoriety and greatness for their life's work or their leadership achieve it by using their gifts in service to others. You and I, though we may not become famous for how we live, achieve greatness as we serve others. No one wakes up one day as "great". It requires a day-by day, lifetime commitment to serving others as we use our gifts in little ways to become great.

 

Jesus promises that we will achieve greatness when we commit ourselves to serving others and to loving others. Serving and loving are acts that we can all perform and when we do, we are changed. Those around us are also changed for the better: in our homes, at church, at work and school and in the wider world.

 

This coming week offers all of us a chance to grow into our greatness through service. The 164th St. David's Country Fair and Auction is gearing up and we have the need for you and everyone to offer some time and gifts in setting up, volunteering on Fair Day, and cleaning up. The Fair offers us all an opportunity to serve; to grow together in community; to reach out to the wider community, who will come to St. David's; and to support our wonderful Outreach ministries. Make a point this year to offer yourself in service at the Fair and let's all grow in greatness.