February 14, 2016

At church today, I told the congregation (tongue in cheek) that everyone was invited to attend the Bishop’s Committee meeting after coffee hour, and that they would find it “riveting.” Several church members who do not currently serve on the BC took me up on the offer.  As we always do, the Committee discussed our income, expenses, and budget, the progress being made in maintaining and improving our grounds and buildings, and upcoming events that include a visit from Bp. David Rice, and special services from Palm Sunday through Easter. To be honest, these are not the most riveting subjects for most people, but certainly important to the health and well-being of our congregation.

What I did find riveting, however, and I hope others did as well, was the fact that we heard from virtually everyone who attended.  Opinions were shared respectfully, and decisions were made that were based on our desire to move forward.  I am constantly amazed by the amount of time, talent, and energy (as well as money) people are willing to devote to our church. This is not done lightly or frivolously, or in order to make the doer look good or feel good. It is done for love–love of the church, love of the community, and most of all, love of God.  People at St. Francis take their baptismal vows seriously and truly hope to make a difference, and that is continuing to happen.

Valentine’s Day is one of those “Hallmark Holidays” that seems to have been invented by retailers in order to profit from the affection we feel for our loved ones. How fitting it is that on this Valentine’s Day, members of St. Francis expressed their love of Jesus by choosing to practice love in action.  Yes, we are a small church, but we are growing and continuing to look for additional ways to make a positive difference in the world.