Weekly Reflection - 2/8/2022
St. Mary's Reflection: The Rev. David Erickson
Making the Holy Sausage: Annual Meeting 2022
“…and to take your share in the councils of the Church.” Ordination of a Priest, BCP pg. 531
I have always found the line above interesting. In my ordination vows to the priesthood, during the examination, the role of a priest is articulated. Along with being a pastor, priest, and teacher, I am to share in the councils of the church. Today we call “councils” conventions or annual meetings. Along with the beautiful work a priest offers to the people of his/her parish, it is also a deeply Holy Act to participate in the greater community as a whole. This same Holy opportunity is offered to all members of St. Mary’s through participation at our Annual Meeting.
Both church laws and the laws of California require such a gathering once a year. Legally, we need to elect new vestry (board) members and deanery delegates. It is also the appropriate time to report on the overall finances from the past year and present the financial outlook for the upcoming year. Since this is work we do in community, there are also reflections (reports) from the Senior Warden and Rector, and plenty of time for questions from the gathered members.
Our Annual meeting is this coming Sunday at 11 a.m. We will only have one worship service that day at 10 a.m.. Child care will be provided for both the service and the annual meeting. It is our hope that all those who call St. Mary’s their faith home will join us in this meaningful work. We will pray and sing together, hear the names of parish members who have died in the past year, and tend to the valuable business mentioned above. We hope it will take no more than 75 minutes.
If you are unable to be with us in person, we will stream the meeting to the St. Mary’s facebook page, but please not that there will not be a way for those watching virtually to participate in the questions or discussion. If you do have a question or concern, please email the office after the annual meeting.
Thank for taking the time to participate in the fullness of our common life together. It is indeed a holy act that invites the Spirit to move into and through our lives.
