As we come to our final days with Father James and Eli, we give thanks for their ten years of ministry at Bethesda. We celebrate the things we learned from them. With gratitude, we wish them well on their journey to a new ministry and life in Virginia. Life is changing once again for them, as well as for us.
We know change is the one thing constant in life, as we have all witnessed change many times over the past year. We are a strong community here at Bethesda and with God’s help, grace, and mercy, we will continue to grow even stronger and wiser in the days, months, and years ahead. For some long time members, this is the third time our community has experienced the discernment process to call a new rector. The process will be no different this time. The power of community, as the body of Christ, is made of many different parts. But when kindred spirits, as well as “different parts”, band together with one purpose for all, noble results can occur. We can make significant strides as a “body” that we cannot make separately. We need our community to get God’s work done!
In the months ahead each of Mother Margaret, our part time clergy, Fred, Stuart, Greg, our vestry and new interim rector will need our community’s help. Yes, that’s you and me. As the body of Christ, let us be awake, aware, and conscious of the path God is calling us to follow. There are 5 things I might encourage our community to do to support our leaders and Bethesda: 1) Worship Weekly, 2) Pray for one another daily, 3) Learn constantly, 4) Serve joyfully, and 5) Live, Love and give your time, talent, and treasure to generously support Bethesda.
“Inspire us O Lord, to be faithful stewards of Bethesda, so that we can continue to be the shining beacon of Christ’s light for the good of all. Be our strength and our guide for this community and fill us with your wisdom to follow your ways O Lord, with gratitude in the days ahead. Amen.”
Yours in Christ,
Deacon Cecie