September 15, 2024
I spent most of this past week at the annual clergy conference held at the Rock Eagle 4H Club in Eatonton. I enjoyed spending time with the clergy of our unique diocese and welcoming new clergy to the diocese. One of the highlights of the clergy conference is the informal nature of our time together. No one wears their collars, and the schedule is primarily unstructured, with plenty of time for fellowship and conversation. While most of us see each other in our clericals, it’s refreshing to know that we are just like people with casual clothing and who like spending time with each other.
I loved hearing about what other clergy are doing in their ministry contexts. I was heartened to hear that many parishes and worshipping communities have similar successes to those we are experiencing at St. Matthew’s regarding church growth and welcoming new members into the community. We have many things in common with our friends across the diocese.
The bishop and other speakers gave us plenty of food for thought about how we witness and what our witnesses say about us in our ministry context. I started to think about St. Matthew’s witness to the Gospel on Oak Road and the surrounding community. We are doing some great work and have more work ahead of us as we continue to share God’s love through Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.
I look forward to where God is leading us next. I hope to see many of you at church this Sunday!
God’s Peace,
Father Tim