What a glorious Easter we've had! Thanks to everyone who contributed to the beauty and the joy of our celebrations at St. Andrew’s Cathedral. As we enter the Great Fifty Days of Easter, we are especially conscious of the renewal of life. It seems like an appropriate time to address one of the important tasks of transition; taking stock of the present identity of the parish. Here are a few ways we can do that during this season.
Worship – Corporate worship is the heart of our life together. In worship, our faith is renewed and restored, lives are transformed, significant decisions are inspired, and God’s call to service is heard. If you have become less than regular in worship, I invite you to attend more frequently. For example, if you come about once a month, perhaps you could resolve to be in worship at least twice a month. If you are already a weekly worshiper, perhaps you might offer to serve as an usher, a greeter, a lector, or in some other capacity that contributes to our worship. Give it some prayerful consideration.
Membership Information Update – We have placed notebooks with current membership information in the Rotunda, St. Francis Hall, and the Parish Hall. Please take the time to check to be sure we have up to date and accurate contact information, birth dates, anniversary dates, baptism dates, and names of everyone in your household.
Communication – Effective communication is vital to every family, community, and organization. We have begun using our new Realm program for membership information and internal communication. Also, if you are responsible for informing the Cathedral community about an event or something your ministry group is doing, please work closely with our Communications Director Josh Geter to ensure that our messages and graphics are consistent.
Involvement – There are places of purposeful service in our life together. Many of you indicated interest in beginning or exploring new places of service through the recent “I Will, With God’s Help” survey. All of that information has been shared with leaders of various ministry groups and they are in the process of making contact.
Short Range Planning – This is a very active parish. Quite a few things need to be accomplished during the coming months as preparations are made to welcome a new Dean. The staff, commissions, committees, guilds, and others are in the process reviewing plans, assignments, and objectives to ensure that the momentum continues.
As Easter People, we are always open to renewal and this is one such opportunity. We are going to need everyone’s attention and assistance as we nurture our life together. Please watch for communications and participate at every opportunity. One reason St. Andrew’s is such a vibrant and healthy community of faith is the level of participation. We want that to continue! Think of this as something like an annual checkup to sure everything is working and that nothing is being overlooked.
I’ll see you in Church!
The Very Reverend Ronald D. Pogue
Interim Dean
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Jackson, Mississippi
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