Rector's Report
As I sit at my desk to write this report, and reflect on the past year I am conscious of the fact that for three months I was away from St. Mary’s on sabbatical! This was my first sabbatical after 17 years of ordained ministry, and 10 years since my arrival at St. Mary’s. I was grateful for the opportunity to enjoy and time of rest and renewal, and grateful the Wardens and Vestry for their support, and also to the Rev’d Christopher Snook for his capable ministry in my absence.
Much of 2009 was “business as usual”, which is not a bad thing! As I look over the reports from 2009, I offer thanksgiving and praise to God for “the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints (Ephesians 1.18)” in the faithfulness, steadfastness, love and generosity of the congregation, and in the way in which we seek to bear live out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.
Since my return for sabbatical there have been a number of developments to which I wish draw your attention. We welcomed Marilyn Dean into the office as administrative assistant. Marilyn brings a wealth of experience and understanding to the position, having served as Executive Officer for the Diocese. As we seek to develop at St. Mary’s a more missional outlook and attitude, her insight, wisdom, and good humour will be invaluable.
In December we also welcomed the Rev’d Bruce Russell, as our parish Deacon. Bruce brings gifts in the area of prayer, liturgy, church history and theology, and we are blessed to have Bruce as part of the pastoral team.
Also in December we welcomed Murray Wright and his wife Jessica to St. Mary’s. Murray is exploring the possibility of ordination in the Anglican Church and has come to St. Mary’s to fulfill a one year internship requirement for his Master of Divinity degree at Briercrest Seminary in
Caronport. Murray brings an enthusiasm for the Gospel and love of people, part of which will be directed towards furthering the youth ministry in our parish.
So, since my return from sabbatical, the story, in part, has focused on the need to welcome, integrate and develop the new staff and working relationships. All of which takes time, but in time will I am sure bear plenteous fruit for the Lord!
All of these developments coincided with the 125th anniversary of our Diocese, and the call our Bishop for parishes to reflect on their current mission and to develop Mission Action Plans for the future to help ensure that our work is focused, intentional, and developing. To that end, we have been seeking discernment from the Lord through study, prayer, and congregational feedback in the form of a mission audit. These are challenging and exciting times for us.
I was deeply touched by the 10th anniversary celebration of my incumbency in September. It was an occasion for me to give thanks for the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord and our partnership in the Gospel.
With faith and with hope for the next phase of our ministry together,
Yours,
Claude +