Rector's Report for July
Where are we at this point in our journey as the Episcopal Church in Amador County? Have we become that "inclusive, loving, and spiritually dynamic Christian family sharing the good news of Christ" that we once envisioned? And where are we heading to in the future? These are some of the questions the vestry pondered at the vestry retreat this past month. Our retreat began on Friday night with a few team-building exercises as well as praying for one another. Each of us was given a prayer partner and we discussed those areas in our lives that could benefit by holding each other in prayer throughout the year. We then did an extensive Bible Study on our limited beliefs: personal, spiritual, and Trinity focused. The purpose of this study was to examine where we are stuck as leaders in helping our church move forward into the uncharted territories of the secularized 21st century.
On the one hand, we all have limiting beliefs that are formed by the reality of our demographics and energy level. On the other hand, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism which means that with God, all things become possible. The purpose of spiritual formation at the vestry level is to heal our limitations and to open us up to that Spirit of God who can make all things new. And because we need more wisdom, we worshiped throughout the weekend as a way of opening ourselves up to the wisdom of God. A variety of creative liturgies were led by the vestry members.
On Saturday, we focused on brainstorming ideas and strategic planning. While we were not always of one mind on how to move forward, a few passions, insights, and directions became obvious.
- Focus on reaching out to newcomers and incorporating them into the full life of the church.
- Increase opportunities for spiritual growth and Christian formation.
- Mentor lay leaders as a means of expanding educational opportunities.
- Focus on reaching out to seniors in Amador County as a means of growth.
- Music: Invite choir to come down from balcony and sing in the sanctuary. Have more of the offertories played on the grand piano.
- Create more 'spur of the moment' and 'ad hoc' events to enhance the bonds of friendship at Trinity. Encourage more parishioners to create and oversee such events.
- Continue to emphasize and build up our health ministries and feeding programs.
- Continue to be a more active and visible force in the county with programs like Compassionate Amador, Missio:Engage, Chamber Mixers, Farmer's markets, and by participating in other scheduled community events.
So how are we doing with our spiritual health? It is evident that the work of the Holy Spirit continues to empower us as we reach out to one another with care and concern. We have had a lot of illnesses and losses over the past few months as people leave the county while others have experienced strokes, tragedy, and health decline. And yet there are so many of you who respond with compassionate actions to help ease their burdens. On June 15th, Bishop Barry Beisner came to confirm, baptize, and receive 7 people at Trinity; people who long for a deeper connection with Christ. This is just one example of the vital spiritual health of our parish. Many thanks to Doreen Davis and Shirley Tscharner who arranged the special coffee hours and the rest who worked hard to make this day special. It was a blessing to celebrate Trinity Sunday with our bishop who delighted in meeting you.
Speaking of blessings, Ken and Joan Von der Heiden invited the parish to a BBQ and house blessing of their new home. 35 people showed up to celebrate. These are the kind of ad hoc events that we are encouraging. Would you like to sponsor one? Choose something you like to do! On July 3rd, Steph and I are opening up our home for an 8:00pm viewing of our slide show of Turkey followed by the watching of the Jackson fireworks from our balcony at 9:15pm. Please come to one or both events.
July 4th is a time in which Americans celebrate their freedom and democracy. May God grant "that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord." {BCP 242}
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Karen Siegfriedt +
Photos of Life at Trinity:
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Vestry Retreat
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8:30 Confirmands
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Sheilah settled in Amador County in 2004 after a 20 year career in the biotech world. She was looking for space and a slower pace of life and she found it here, where she designed and built her own home.
Sheilah loves to travel, meet new people and experience diverse cultures and has had the opportunity to visit many places. Sheilah also enjoys helping others, biking and spending time with her dogs.
"I'm excited and happy to be working at Trinity Church. I look forward to meeting many new people and learning new things."
