Dear Friends,
“Brother, let me be your servant.Let me be as Christ to you.Pray that I might have the graceto let you be my servant, too.”
[From “The Servant Song”]
A couple of things I heard about at the Deacons’ Day with the Bishop were the “Mom to Mom Sale” and “Mending Hearts” group at St. John’s, Royal Oak. The sale was held for the first time this year, and as you might imagine was a huge success. I gather from the title of the event, it was a focused garage sale, helping moms clothe children for the upcoming school year. “Mending Hearts” is a support group for people who are grieving. I’ve asked The Reverend Deacon Jeffernelt Howcott, now retired, to send me information about these two programs because I think they might prove to be wonderful outreach opportunities for St. Andrew’s to explore.
It’s easy to find ministries that are on going when out and about. For example, in our EYSJ group, here at St. Andrew’s, two of the participants join others in a ministry that reaches out to the community. It is called “Servant Saturday.” One Saturday a month, the first one to be specific, people gather to work. They paint, build, tear down, clean, and do any other kind of work that is necessary to get the job done. Lately, their project has been a church in Detroit. If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about or to try yourself, let LouAnn or Father Bob or me know, and we will see that you get in touch with the people who can help you get started.
At home, ministry is a-poppin’ as well! New ministry groups in our own parish are forming. With Father Chris’ retirement, we are looking at new ways to carry on his legacy. Both the Worship Commission and the Pastoral Care Commission attempt to do that. The Worship Commission looks at the liturgy and the concerns that surround it. Father Bob leads this commission, and other members are Music Director, Mike Johnson; Altar Guild Directress, Jeanette Ragsdale; Pauline Owens; Parish Office Administrator, Kristin Kahrs, and me, your Deacon. All are welcome to attend the monthly meetings. Watch for meeting announcements in the bulletin.
The Pastoral Care Commission is beginning its work with a training program. Those classes will be held on Saturdays, and the first one is on October 11, 2008. Father Bob and Carole Wollard are facilitating the training. Tracy Moore is helping with that as well. Once the training is over, this group will work with clergy to make pastoral calls, as well as carry on their pastoral ministries at work and in the community. All pastoral care ministers must complete the ‘Safeguarding God’s Church” programs. The Pastoral Care Commission will meet monthly to support each other and to plan how to serve this congregation.
In addition to the new commissions beginning their work, those that have been around for some time began the 2008-2009 with a running start! And, from what I hear and see, everyone needs more people to get the work done. Church school, Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors, Altar Guild, Choir, Bell Ringers, and Adult Christian Education, to name a few, need you. Please listen and look and feel how God is calling you to serve. Do not be shy. We are all called into the vineyard to work!
If you have questions about any of these or ministries, please contact their leaders or Father Bob or myself. Also, the Ministry Development Commission (MDC) is here
to help you and every ministry achieve God’s purpose. Sometimes, it is hard to discern God’s call. The MDC has many tools to help individuals and groups through a discernment process.
The Vestry will soon begin its pledge campaign. As you consider what your pledge will be, please consider the gifts and skills and talent and time you can also give.
I, who made the stars of night,I will make their darkness bright.Who will bear my light to them?Whom shall I send?
I pray our response is that given in the song: “Here I am Lord! Is it me Lord? I will go Lord if you lead me.”
As always, your servant in Christ,
Deacon Marlyn
