Greetings from the Office of Lay Ministry Associate & Music Ministry!
Sounds like an impressive title doesn't it?
Actually it's pretty awesome to be here in this capacity and I want to start off by offering a word of thanks and gratitude to Pastor Celeste, our Senior Warden, Lee Ann Walling, the Vestry and its Finance Committee and to all of our faithful parishioners who have been so supportive of me and this ministry as we embark on a new era for Christ Church! I am simply overwhelmed by the positive comments that I have received!
You all should know that I do not enter into this position lightly, I have prayed hard to be sure that I am doing God's will. One thing you will learn about me is that I really do believe in the power of prayer and pray often that God's will, not mine, be done! I believe with a very strong conviction that God has brought me here at this time to assist with the maintenance and growth of the parish. I hope that you all understand that I do not mean the physical maintenance of our parish buildings and grounds, which is also important to me; I mean the spiritual and physical maintenance of the parish, our rector, wardens and vestry and all of you, our parishioners, and our friends and visitors too! Because, after all, YOU are the church! Together WE can continue to build up God's Kingdom and this vineyard!!!
There are many projects that I am eager to work on here. As I enter into this full time ministry we are only beginning to be able to discern what the "front burner" issues are. I have begun to meet with the various committees and ministries connected to the parish and meet almost daily and/or regularly with the rector and warden both formally and informally. I can say with a strong conviction that there are GREAT days on the horizon for Christ Church! I believe this by all of the wonderful work that has already been accomplished here by our ministries. You and I, all of us working collectively to strengthen our church, is an awesome prospect! I cannot think of a greater motivator!
Please be assured that I am here to assist in any way possible. Do not hesitate to call me in the office or contact me by e-mail at . I am eager to get to know you all better and to serve you as best I can using the God given gifts and talents that have been given and entrusted to me.
Let me leave you for now with something to think about starting these words from Scripture found in 1 Peter Chapter 4, Verse 9-10: "Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." There are many gifted people here; as a matter of fact, I truly believe that you are all gifted in one form or another. If you are using those gifts to serve the church and our community, let me say thank you for that; if you are not yet responding to the call, can you spare us a little of your time? After all, it is for a good cause don't you think? God bless you all!
Hope to hear from you soon!
See you in church!
-Jon