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January/February
2002
Articulating
the vision
"The vision of Christian life in a particular community
must arise from within that community. It cannot be imported
from another place or another's experience. It must develop
from the inside, through the exploration of a particular parish's
experience, an honest assessment of its gifts, a realistic appraisal
of its needs and the needs of the community it serves. And from
prayer. Most of all from prayer. In our prayer, as a community
and as individuals, we open ourselves to learn what God calls
us to do with the combination of gifts, history and needs entrusted
to us." (The Rev. Brenda Husson, rector of St. James' Church,
New York) "Vision without action is merely a dream. Action
without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can
change the world." (Joel Arthur Barker, author, lecturer,
and president of Infinity Limited, Inc.)
The challenge we face today is to discover the truth of both
of the quotes above, and to undertake the work of ministry
needed to live out that truth.
My ministry involves oversight; seeing the big picture; identifying
and gathering the gifts, which include people resources, financial
resources, property resources; calling the diocesan community
together as family, and lifting our voices and visions to
God for cleansing and healing and wholeness and celebration.
Your ministry involves the development of the vision from
inside your particular corner of the vineyard. Within your
local context that vision needs to be defined and refined
and supported by others. It needs to be shared in district
conversation for affirmation or support or critique or shared
participation. From visioning to action, diocesan resources
will be available to assist the process through to completion.
The wonderfully rich diversity of this diocese provides opportunity
for a multi-faceted vision of the Church at work in the world.
As I prepare to address the diocese gathered in convention
in later this month, there seems to be a very sacramental
quality to our vision and work which I plan to explore with
you as we come together. As we begin this new year on the
calendar, we have grateful hearts for this God who chooses
to dwell among us even in the midst of our own times mixed
with challenge and despair and hope.
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