"There is someone smarter than any of us and that is all of us."  -Michael Nolan

We recently had our annual meeting here at the parish.  There was a real sense of joy and enthusiasm as we celebrated the many ministries that are a part of the life of St. Mary's.  Part of what makes it so life-giving is to come together and be able to witness all that God is seeing fit to do in and through us as we seek to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.  It is a gift and blessing to see all the different ways God uses our unique gifts, talents, interests and resources for the building up of God's kingdom. 

One of the blessings of our catholic roots as members of the Episcopal Church is the idea of "here comes everyone", meaning that we believe that all have a place, all are called, and God desires to work in and through all.  These are not merely nice words but also the way that we try to live.

Whether it's knitting a prayer shawl, welcoming folks into church, teaching Sunday School, serving rfreshments after the service, praying for those on our prayer list, counting the collection and depositing it, staying overnight in the parish hall as part of youth lock-in or simply being present and offering a smile and and a listening ear, God is working in and through us.  May God continue to bless and guide us! 

Not only is God working through us in our various ministries, but God also works in and through us as we make decisions, set priorities and dream, hope and plan for our future together.  All voices count and are important in the life of this parish.    We all have a voice contribute and a thought to share.  Our new vestry, treasurer and the seminarians involved in the parish will spend a day together on retreat next Saturday.  I very much look forward to this time together.  Please keep parish leaders in your thoughts and prayers.  They serve Christ and they serve us here at St. Mary's in His name.