Continuing to Seek God's Vision
Almighty God, on the [day of Pentecost] you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen. (BCP pg 227)
On the Day of Pentecost, we will have reached the end of our “100 days of Prayer.” Throughout this season the parish has been gathered in groups of three to pray for the future vision and mission of the parish, as well as to begin to investigate and discuss traits that healthy parishes possess. The above collect reminds us that the sending of the Holy Spirit opened the way to eternal life and knowing God to every person regardless of ethnicity, race or gender. Likewise, it calls us to proclaim that Good News to the whole world (even our families, friends, and local communities), that they too would be filled with God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, appropriate that the next stage of our vision discernment process take place within this season.
The next stage will be two-fold. The first component will be an online survey that the whole parish will receive that asks questions and seeks input regarding the Ten Traits of a Healthy parish that will be familiar to those who were in a prayer triplet. However, even for those not in a prayer triplet this is an excellent opportunity to evaluate our worship, leadership, stewardship, and other programmatic aspects of the parish. I hope tat each of you will take the time to prayerfully complete these surveys, because they will help us to become a healthier parish while we continue to seek God’s vision. Because regardless of how clearly we hear God, it will not reach its fullest potential if our systems and programs are unhealthy.
The second component will be a follow-up leadership meeting for those in prayer triplets on Saturday, June 14th at 9 AM. It is at this meeting that we will share and hear about the ways that God was at work in your prayer triplet. This includes the spiritual and relational formation of being in a prayer group, as well as the ideas that God revealed to you while you were praying about the mission and vision of the parish. As a reminder, we are praying for what St. Matthias’ might look like 10 years from now, on our 150th anniversary. This means that there might be some BIG ideas that we are in no position to accomplish or achieve presently. But there may also be some smaller ideas that will help us to step out toward that greater vision as well.
I am excited to gather and hear from everyone. I have heard much positive feedback, and God is obviously at work. Continue to pray that God uses us to bring the Good News of the Gospel to all who are in need of its healing message of life.