COME AND SEE

Dear Friends in Christ:

"Come and see." In the opening chapter of the Gospel according to John we hear this invitation, first from Jesus to Andrew and an unnamed disciple of John the Baptist and then from Philip to Nathanael. This is God's invitation to all of us who would be disciples - come and see what God is doing and what God will do.

It has been my privilege and joy this past year to be part of this community as we have responded in so many different ways to God's invitation to come and see.

It has been my privilege and joy to watch as members of the parish have responded to the invitation to come and see what it would be like to be reconciled to one another after the difficult months of 2001.

It has been my privilege and joy to watch as the Wardens and members of the Vestry have responded to the invitation to come and see how we can work together to make sure that the mission and ministry of Christ in this place continues to be strong and faithful.

It has been my privilege and joy to watch as Barbara Owens and the members of the Evangelism Council have responded to the invitation to come and see how this parish could become a more welcoming community for visitors and newcomers.

It has been my privilege and joy to watch as Debbie Smith and Sue Broad have responded to the invitation to come and see what joy God can give us as we share in potluck suppers and breakfasts, the parish picnic and other wonderful parties.

It has been my privilege and joy to watch as members of the parish have responded to the invitation to come and see how we can give of our time and talent and treasure to meet the needs of the world, whether through our support of Mary Sherwood's work in Madagascar or through our participation in the Interfaith Hospitality Network or with the groceries we bring to fill Mother Hubbard's cupboard.

It was my privilege and joy to watch as Carolyn Millard responded to the invitation to come and see what would happen if she asked us to participate in Operation Christmas Child. I hadn't imagined how many boxes of Christmas presents would pour in, but that's what happens when we come and see.

This has been a wonderful year, but God has more blessings in store for us as we respond to the invitation to come and see.

Your brother and priest,

Daniel+