Out beyond the borders of Saint James and the bounds of our own experience are other leaders who are working to understand the changes in the world around them and the right response of the Church to these cultural changes.
One of the keystones of Jesus' ministry was showing us the transforming power of faith - by his word and his example. Being faithful remains the substance of our calling. But the form that faithful response takes changes over time whether we want it to or not. It changes because the background and understanding of people who come to the doors of our church has been changing. People today know less about the church's history, about the bible, about prayer or any other of the church's traditions.
This is not all bad.
As we are forced to review what is essential and what is simply a matter of taste we will come to a deeper understanding and a greater clarity about what we should do in order to be the Church at its best.
Early Christian were in the world, as we are. They felt pushed and pulled by the differences between what they heard in the Scriptures and what they saw in themselves and in the society around them. They were also admonished to be in the world but not of it. That's our call too.
In order to "be in the world but not of it" we have to look at what is happening around us and within us, pray for guidance, be thoughtful about how we should prioritize things in the light of the Gospel message and then act with hope, faith and intention.
My intention is to post articles, web sites and other materials here which vestry members can "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest." My hope is that we will then take some time to discuss what we have encountered. My faith is that God will guard and guide us on the journey in right pathways for His name's sake.
Your brother in Christ,
Charlie+
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