|
Dear
Beloved Community of Saint Mark’s,
“Give
us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus
Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation,
that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous
works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.”
This
prayer reminds us that our life together as Church begins not with
programs or plans, but with grace , grace to
hear Christ’s call and grace to respond faithfully.
In his
first letter to the Corinthians, Paul urges the community to remain
united in Christ, reminding us that we are not gathered around
personalities or preferences, but around the cross of Christ, which
is the true source of our life and hope (1 Corinthians 1:10–18). Even
amid disagreement, uncertainty, or change, Paul calls the Church back
to its center: Jesus Christ, proclaimed and lived for the sake of the
world.
This is
especially important in the season we are living
now. We do not always know what lies ahead, but we do know who calls
us together. The Episcopal Church understands that this call is
shared, among clergy and lay people alike, and that the work of
discernment is something we do together, in prayer, conversation, and
trust.
Before
looking ahead, I want to pause and offer my deep gratitude to the
members of the Vestry for their faithful
service this past year. Their leadership, prayer, and willingness to
carry responsibility on behalf of the Cathedral have been a true
gift. I am especially thankful for our Senior Warden, Gina, and our
Junior Warden, John. Your dedication, partnership, steady leadership,
and deep love for this Cathedral and its people have been evident
throughout the year, and I am profoundly grateful.
One of
the ways we live into this shared calling is
through our Annual Meeting. It is more than a report on the year
behind us. It is a moment to gather as a community, give thanks for
God’s faithfulness, and listen together for where the Holy Spirit may
be leading Saint Mark’s next. It is a tangible expression of our
belief that every voice matters and that the Church is strongest when
we walk forward side by side.
I warmly
invite you to join us for the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Annual Meeting
this Sunday, immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist.
We will gather as one Cathedral family to worship, to celebrate the
ministries among us, and to take up the shared work entrusted to us.
Come
with your questions, your hopes, and your prayers. Come as you are.
Above all, come trusting that Christ is in our midst, calling us
together, shaping us for service, and sending us out for the healing
of God’s world.
May
God who has called us together in Christ give us grace to listen,
courage to respond, and love to walk together in faith. May the
Spirit guide our common life, strengthen our shared ministry, and
send us out for the healing of God’s world. And may the blessing of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be among us and
remain with us always. Amen.
Grace
and peace,
Tim+
The
Rev. Timothy M. Kingsley
Provost,
Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
|
