Weekly Clergy Letter From Mother Anne Turner

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

In deep summer, the treasurer will often put a reminder in the announcements for you to pay your pledge.  It’s easy, when we are traveling and out of our ordinary routines, to forget this obligation.  So the reminder is a good one, and I want to make it now.

 

But—even more importantly—I want to remind you to notice what’s happening with your pledges.  Your generosity makes Grace’s life possible.

 

Our life changes in the summer, but it does not stop.  Here’s what’s happening right now because of you:

 

  • Sunday School may be on vacation, but our care of young people is not. Acolytes serve every Sunday.  Watch their confidence grow as they learn their roles more and more each week.
  • Adult Forum may be on vacation, too, but groups gather for laughter and insight during Father Santi’s “Summer of Stories” series.
  • New people find hope in our shared life each week. Families come to Little Church and are astounded and relieved to find worship without pressure or judgement.  Newcomers come to our contemplative 5:00 service and are relieved to find peace.  Visitors come to our 10:30 service and are moved by our combination of transcendent liturgy and warm hospitality.  People come closer to God because of us.
  • The Food Pantry never stops. We feed the hungry. 
  • People’s lives continue with births, transitions, and deaths. Your clergy are committed to walking alongside people who are navigating these moments.  We do so in the name of this entire community.
  • Grace makes an impact on the larger church. As I write, Mother Emma is serving as a chaplain at Shrine Mont camps, demonstrating Grace’s commitment to and leadership of youth ministry in the diocese.
  • Almost all of these things happen in a facility that is constantly monitored, maintained, and upgraded, so as to be ready not only for our use but for the use of community groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Casa Chirilagua, and others.

 

Don’t forget the power of your generosity.  It is part of the leaven that is the kingdom of God.  It never stops working.

 

Yours in Christ,

Anne