January 16
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
This is how Paul begins his letter to the church in Corinth. These letters fill up two books of the Bible and contain some of his most important and inspirational writing (“the greatest of these is love”). At times his affection for this congregation overflows. Other times his concern and frustration are unmistakable. Through it all, he shares the gospel – the good news of God found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
St. Luke’s Annual Meeting is this Sunday, January 18. We gather around a potluck meal, hear reports of how God has worked in the life of this small but mighty congregation over the past year, handle essential business and share our appreciations for the people who have had a special role in our life together.
When I began to organize material for a book about my 11 years here, I was overwhelmed by the amount of material. There are sermons, newsletter articles, annual meeting reports and at least 7 personal journals filled with the stories, challenges and miracles we have experienced. I understand why Paul need two books for the Corinthians!
The theme through both Paul’s and my writings is gratitude. I am grateful that this 130-year-old start up that has gone through so many cycles of death, resurrection and renewal is the place where I will spend my final years of full-time ministry. The Spirit of God has come alive for me and so many others here and God has enabled us to do more than we can ask or imagine. Mostly I’m grateful for all of you. Sometimes I can barely keep it together as I place the bread of Christ’s presence in each of your hands or offer a blessing for God’s peace and joy to be with you.
It has not been easy, nor without challenges, but with Paul, I am certain that “God will strengthen us to the end, so that we may be continue to be called into the fellowship of Jesus.”
With faith, hope and love,
Canon Britt+