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December 2017

Dear Christ Church Parishioners,

In last month’s Chronicle, I wrote to you about what I believe my job is as Rector of Christ Church. In my opinion, this was one of the most important articles I have written for the Chronicle in years. What did you think?

I often wonder if anyone reads these articles because I rarely have someone say anything to me about the contents — my articles or others. Joanne Gwin, our editor, spends considerable time and energy putting together this communication resource for us every month. I think the end result is fabulous, giving us excellent reminders and information to keep us up-to-date on what is going on in the parish. Is it valuable and helpful to you? Frankly, it’s hard to publish the Chronicle month after month with no feedback as to its value to you. Can you let us know once in a while what you think? Further questions you may have? An article you particularly liked or didn’t like? Maybe suggestions for how it could be a better resource for you? Maybe just to let us know you received it?

I’ve never done this before. I am going to reprint my November’s Rector article. As I said, I think this is one of the most important articles I have ever written to explain my relationship with you. Do you see our relationship differently? Do you hope for more (or less) from your priest? I value your thoughts on this or anything in the Chronicle.

Republishing the November 2017 — Rector’s Article

My job as Rector is to be the Spiritual Leader of the Parish. First and foremost, it is to pray for you: To offer prayers of protection for you against the forces of evil; to stand in the gap for you and lift you to God when you can't (or won't) do it for yourself; to pray with you through the sorrows and the joys; and to hold you in prayer regardless of what is going on.

My call is to minister to the people of God through spiritual care. I am with you during crisis: In the ER after an accident, in the home when life is falling apart; at the police station; in the mental health wing; at the bedside when your loved one is dying.

My call is to minister to the people of God through their own spiritual development. I call you to a closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ: Through your own spiritual practices, through the offering of the Sacraments, through your regular worship and praise, through Advent retreat days (see article elsewhere in Chronicle), through teaching you how to apply the Bible to your own life, while encountering, reassuring, cheering, and guiding you with gentle pushes toward Jesus.

In addition to the above, I have another job this month: To encourage and teach you about the practice of tithing in regard to your spiritual life. It's more of the gentle pushes toward Jesus that I do. You may resist, thinking it has nothing to do with your spiritual life.... until you do it, and find out that it does. So, I'll keep encouraging you.

The job and call of a priest. I love what I do. I feel blessed to be your Rector. Know that I am praying for you.

Drop me a quick email or note, or catch me at Church sometime.
Blessings and love,
Joan+

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