Carrying the Paschal Light

This has been a season of invitation. After the bishop’s visit, she invited you to join several diocesan ministries (see my note in the May 22 e-news). Now, as we enter the season after Pentecost, you are also invited to step into St. Bart’s Strategic Plan! As I said in my Pentecost sermon, “The Holy Spirit is moving through all of us on this plan, because what happens will determine what this body of Christ will be in three to five years.” If you haven’t seen it before, I encourage you to read the entire Strategic Plan, but below is a summary of its three pillars. What calls to you, I wonder?

• Grow the Church: “Expand awareness of the church at work in the world and invite and welcome a more diverse church membership.” As you know, St. Bart’s is a wonderful church family. How do we invite and welcome others so that they also feel a part of this faith community? Bring your ideas to Greg Moran.

• Resource Management: “Effectively use the campus, buildings, facilities, systems, staff, and volunteers to support, grow, and advance St. Bart’s mission and vision.” How do we best use, manage, and support what we have? Bring your thoughts to Joe Snodgrass.

• Deepen Community Connections: “Expand community awareness of St. Bart’s and strengthen the church’s connections with the larger community.” How can our church become more recognizable and known to the entire community? Send your inspirations to Polly Getz.

On Pentecost, I preached, “The Holy Spirit is blowing the light and life of Christ represented by the Paschal candle directly from it and into you to take out into the world. You are the visible and tangible expression of the Holy Spirit’s work.” I invite you to carry your Paschal light into our plans for your future. The more who participate, the more the Holy Spirit will be able to shine the light and life of Christ through what we do. However you can, jump in!

Mother Nina+