Much of our work as Christians takes place over years, a lifetime, generations. I think the work of our friend and sister in Christ, Bobbie Morris, provides an example for all of us of how our own gifts and interests can and should intersect with the needs of our church community. She picked up the baton of leadership for our garden ministry and is now ready to pass it on, making sure she and our other gardeners left the grounds in better shape than they found them. Our gardens are spectacular and sacramental--outward and visible signs of God's presence in the world and what loving and caring people can create and share. It is now time, however, for others to pick up where Bobbie is letting go. She'll be around to consult and weed and help out, but not to lead.
And so it is in other ministries, picking up and letting go: working with our children and teens, our choirs, the Social Action Commission, the vestry to name just a few. The Spirit of God is always at work, calling individuals and communities into new life, new work, new ways of being in the world. This is is not about an older generation biting at the bit to unload some work, or guilting someone into doing a task, but about all of us wondering to ourselves and each other, "is it time for me to drop one piece of our common work and pick up another."
Please pay attention to what the Spirit might be calling you to here at Emmanuel, then talk to Arienne, Beverly, Jack or me and we'll help you figure out how best to make it happen.
With gratitude for all who serve God in and through the Church,
Hunt+
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