2010 Annual Pastoral Letter
Dear beloved members of the parish of the Church at St. Peter's,
2009 was a momentous year in the life of this parish. You went through a long, complicated process of calling a Priest-in-Partnership. You accepted a call to become part of a diocesan-sponsored workshop series, New Partners for Sacred Spaces. Through prayer and care, you also have supported members through serious health issues. You faithfully supported the ongoing prayer life of the church, and the outreach to the community through the foodshelf. Both individually and corporately, you have supported the mission of God to your family, friends, community, humanity, and to earth, "our fragile island home". I know that you will continue in this, the breaking of bread, the common prayers, and the service to Christ in each other and in this complicated, blessed world.
Though I am saying good-by to you, I want to reassure you that it is with deep sorrow that I have made this decision. I see what the Bishop sees, and others in the diocese see, that you are a family in Christ. And this is precious in the eyes of the Lord.
I also want to reassure you that you are already doing the mission of God, and that this mission is a blessing to you as to the ones you serve. In your life's work, in your care and prayers, in support of time and talent, and in your financial support, you are where the reign of Christ is happening. How this is expressed will change, for the be part of this universe is to live under the imperative of change. But I believe that the change will come out of the discerning hearts within St. Peter's, as you pick up and lay down causes as you yourselves change. I trust you to be open to the call of the Spirit, not worried, but abundantly gifted.
As part of the New Partners for Sacred Spaces program, you have access to help, advice, and a community of other parishes that are also finding ways to claim the mission they are doing, let the community know and invite them to share in its support, and gain access to resources that support the material fabric of the parish. You are gaining an invaluable library and parishioners are being trained to help the parish negotiate the journey. As you continue to mine these resources, you will find ways to better serve the community and care for your buildings.
Peace and blessings,
The Rev'd Regina Christianson
