2/17/2022
2/17/2022
Dear Friends in Christ,
Last Saturday the Saint Anna’s Bishop’s Committee met for a mini retreat, the purpose of which was to
begin coming together as a body
reflect on what each of us bring into this ministry with us
reflect on the functions and purposes of BC work
consider what work we are called to do together this year.
We engaged in spiritual practices such as an ice breaker activity that involved reflecting on which part of the Eucharistic service we liked best and why, and a labyrinth walk contemplating questions about our inner selves and what action we are called into at this time. We also participated in an exercise in which we considered which of the many parts of our common life together were most important to us and to our community. We ended the day with the monthly business meeting at which we elected Lesley Bemel as junior warden for this year, and Jeanne Virgilio as clerk.
At the end of the day everyone agreed that we were all excited about the possibilities and inspired by the opportunities, and enthusiastic to get to work. The result of our reflections reemphasized something that last year’s BC agreed upon, and which I touched upon at the annual meeting: that our building is not only important to us for historical and sentimental reasons, but also for the mission and ministry which God is calling Saint Anna’s to. It means something for Saint Anna’s to be planted here, on the corner of East 13th and Marie streets. It means something that we are called to be the presence of God’s love and grace in this location, for this neighborhood, and to this community.
Which is why we realize that much of our work this year will be about the building. Last year our junior warden Jakeb Stanley and the facilities team of Craig Wirth and Matt Gotch conducted a “building audit” to assess the condition and state of repair of our buildings and grounds. We learned that these buildings are badly in need of some TLC. And if we are going to keep these buildings (which we are), we need to be good stewards of the gift they are to our community. This is not a waste of time, talent and treasure. This is ensuring Saint Anna’s remains vital and thriving for years to some. In many ways this site is our mission and ministry because it is where God has planted us and where God calls us to build God’s Kingdom. Taking care of our buildings, making the much needed and necessary repairs, ensures the mission and ministry of Saint Anna’s remains sustainable for future generations. We owe them the responsibility of making sure that we do not saddle them with a burden but keep them in good repair and up to the task God has intended them for.
The BC will be holding conversations with the congregation, and seeking your feedback and comments, so stay tuned for opportunities to participate in and contribute to the mission and ministry of Saint Anna’s. The work is a gesture of faith because it promises that we intend to be here for years to come, doing God’s work and carrying out the mission and ministry of Saint Anna’s.
Jane+