We Have a Mission

Last Friday and Saturday, I joined Mother Nina, Father Isaiah, our St. Bart’s delegates, and six of our youth in attending Diocesan Convention at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church. We had a great time seeing friends, meeting new people, and hearing about all the incredible things that are happening. As I sat in the pews, I was struck by the energy in the room—the Spirit is working in our diocese!

Over the past couple of decades, the Church has faced significant challenges all around the world. In North America, one of these challenges is the reality of decline—we have shrunk in numbers, wealth, and cultural influence. While such challenges are daunting, what was clear from convention is that our diocese firmly believes that God is not done. In fact, membership in the churches of our diocese is up 9%—and St. Bart’s is part of this increase! We are still on a mission to share God’s love with our world. As a part of convention, we reflected on the five-year plan that is just now finishing, and held listening sessions to consider where God is leading us over the next five years. All over our diocese, dedicated laypeople and clergy are choosing to focus on what lies ahead and where God is guiding us as the Church!

As may be unsurprising for the youth minister, I was particularly awed by the energy and leadership displayed by the youth of our diocese. They gave up their Saturday to come to convention to learn about—and, more importantly, to serve—Jesus and the Church. As I said, we had six St. Bart’s youth present, and I couldn’t be more proud of them!

So, as I reflect on this past weekend, I think about all the things God has done at St. Bart’s in the past year, and I wonder—where is God guiding St. Bart’s? What is our place in the work that God is doing in our diocese? You are a part of the answer to that, because you are the church! This week, take some time to reflect—what is your place in God’s mission? What might God’s calling for you be? Because God isn’t done—and he is calling you to share his love with the world.

Blessings,

Father Jacob+