Parish ministry

Dear Friends in Christ -

One of my clergy colleagues here in Connecticut, the Rev. Julia Gatta, just published a book entitled "The Nearness of God: Parish Ministry as Spiritual Practice." She wrote the book for fellow clergy, but in reading a review about the book, I realized again that it's not just me who "ministers" here. It's all of us. We do this ministry together.

Because we share in the ministry at St. Paul's and in the ministry that flows out beyond our doors, I thought you might share my appreciate for a things Gatta has to day. Her words ring true with our experience, I think:

++ "The goal of parish ministry is directing people toward God . . . to further the lifelong process of conversion." -- Gatta

Gatta's words remind me to do two things: 1. take the long view, and 2. remember that, in everything we do, our goal is always to get people face to face, toe to toe with God

++ Parish ministry takes time . . . "we never really come to the end of it."

These words bring a wry smile to my lips . . . Gatta's right. There's always more to do: more people to see, more prayers to say. The empty in-box I covet would actually be a sign that it's time to close the doors. So I'm rejoicing in full inboxes and parking problems.

++ I'm also rejoicing in the Spirit present week by week as we worship together. It's just what Gatta describes: "a sense of quiet anticipation, a notable stillness and attentiveness." I LOVE the process of preparing to be with you and receiving what God has for us as week by week. I'm always sad for those who aren't there, because they're missing out!

Parish ministry - reaching out together as the people of God - is what we do. And in our faithfulness, God comes near to us again and again and again.

Faithfully together with you in God,
Janet+