Sharing Some Good News

Dear Friends,

At a diocesan event the other day, another priest asked me how things were going at St. Peter's. I honestly couldn't contain myself because I felt there was so much good news to share! Some of it was big things, some of it was minor, but it all left me so energized about the work to which God is calling us.

It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to give you a little update on just some of the good news, some of the reasons why I love this place so much. So, here it is:

- In a week that contained some sobering news about the Episcopal Church at large (the short version is, the church is shrinking, rapidly), we are a community bucking those trends. Our Sunday attendance has grown by about 50 people over the last two years! This is because of your faithfulness, your excitement, your willingness to serve in this place. Keep up this good work—welcome the newcomer, invite your friends, stay faithful in worship!

- A little more than a month ago, our Stewardship chair and I put out a request for parishioners to consider pledging or increasing their pledges. The response has been incredible! We started with a $30,000 deficit budget. Since that request, we have knocked it down to about a $10,000 deficit. We still have a ways to go, but that is such an encouraging sign about the generosity of St. Peter's!

- Our school's enrollment level is the highest it's been during my tenure as Rector. That is, of course, good news! But I'm also consistently amazed by the care and concern of our teachers—their willingness to work hard, challenge students, stay late, and be devoted to the task of forming our kids. If you need some inspiration in your day, come and check out all that's going on at St. Peter's School!

- We have two parishioners embarking on a formal discernment process as they explore whether God might be calling them to ordained ministry. I recently sent an email asking a few folks to consider joining those committees. I've been overjoyed with people's excitement to assist their fellow parishioners in hearing God's call!

This is just a taste. There are so many things that go on here, so many ways the love of Christ is known and made known. I'd love to hear your stories. What is it that's making you energized about your life in Christ these days? What is it at St. Peter's that's helping you know the grace and love of God?

God bless,
Fr. Quinn+

[Photo by Val Vesa on Unsplash.com]