Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
What a wonderful day it was last Sunday! Thanks to all who helped with worship and the luncheon following the service. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and I saw several people talking with one another at tables over lunch who might not have otherwise met. This time of worshiping and sharing meals together is a huge part of our life at Calvary. Thank you!
This week has offered a couple of updates that I want to share with you. First, is regarding our newly elected Presiding Bishop The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe who will start November 1, (All Saint’s Day). In a Zoom meeting with our four diocesan delegates to General Convention this week, the clergy of the diocese heard about their experiences and observations on many topics. They all said that Sean Rowe’s election carries a great deal of hope for the future of The Episcopal Church. They noted that he is from “middle America,” being from Pennsylvania. Historically PBs are from the coasts where most of the population lives. The Episcopal Church does well with “both/and” and “via media” (middle way) scenarios. Therefore, having someone from the “middle” will help to see issues from various perspectives. They said that Fr. Rowe is a bright and diplomatic leader whose heart is in the mission of the Church.
Our delegates also commented on how Bishop Rowe is on the younger side being 49 years old. He was ordained as a priest at 24 having served the last several years as a bishop. In other words, he is our first Gen. X Presiding Bishop! This fact along with other key leadership positions in the House of Deputies being held by Gen Xers, Julia Ayala Harris as President, and Fr. Steve Pankey as Vice President, means that there will be new ways of doing church administration on the national level. This change will bring forth a revisioning of The Episcopal Church that will honor our strengths of the past while streamlining and guiding the larger church in ways of moving forward.
The second update to share is that our livestream equipment has started to arrive and will soon become a great resource for our parish. I appreciate the support from the parish to get this ministry working. I hear from parishioners who miss church due to work, family obligations, or illness and they say being able to watch the livestream or the archived service will truly be a blessing.
I am reminded and encouraged by the Christian saying, “God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good!”
Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people!
See you Sunday!
Blessings, Fr. Jon
