It is said that God provides all of the gifts that are needed for a parish's well being in the very people themselves. I believe this to be certainly true of the Parish of Rawdon.
In parish life there needs to be order and guidelines. These gifts are found in the wardens, parish council and parish treasurer who, working together have guided the parish through peaceful and troubled waters this past year. It has also been through parish council that the yearning for a vision for the parish came about. In the early winter of last year a visioning day was held. There were ten very dedicated, seeking, faithful people who braved the weather to discern God's will. Although a definitive vision did not come out of that event, I believe people came away with the sense of connectedness and belonging to the Body of Christ and a renewal of their faith.
As well in parish life, joyfulness and thanksgiving are a necessary part of spiritual growth. The choir and organist, Ted Haldane, continue to lift people up in song and praise through their continued commitment of music. As you are well aware of, 'those who sing, pray twice'!
There would be no parish life if there weren't 'seekers' — those who gather together to learn more about God's will and God's word. The bible study has been a support, an encouragement, a willing ear to listen to the eight people who gathered regularly on Monday nights throughout the parish. The group welcomed others who felt comfortable in coming on an irregular basis. We laughed, we cried, and rejoiced with each other as we were challenged, stretched and opened our eyes to different ways of being in the world.
In scripture we are told of the risks that God's people took when they felt called to do something different. In the Parish of Rawdon risks were also taken but proved fruitful in the end. Certain people felt called to do some things differently such as a second year of the Victorian Tea and the Sweet trays. Yes, they were first and foremost fund raisers but the side benefits were much more important: they created community that was full of laughter, hard work, and connections that hadn't previously been there. God was praised and thanked for all of this renewal of energy and commitment just as it is during the pie making gatherings.
We also have the gift of commitment! We must never forget those who have supported the parish for the work of God over many years. They may not have been front and centre or drawing attention to themselves, but they are the ones that remained faithful, perhaps on the sidelines from the time they were young. Without these myriad of people Christ's church would not be able to continue.
This is a very surreal letter for me because I am writing it after I have taken leave of you and taken up ministry in a new parish. Both Carl and I miss you, we think of you often, and continue to pray for you. We know that when you think of us you hold us in your prayers as well.
I do want to thank Helen Powell and Ruth Himmelman for their leadership over this past year as well as Parish Council. Thank you to the choir, the bible study group, to Jane [Wile] who was always up to both work and a challenge and everyone who not only supported the parish but supported me in my ministry (too numerous to mention).
May God richly bless you in your continuing journey.
Sincerely in Christ's love
Gloria
