Your Presence Is Helping Us – St. Nick’s News Aug. 23, 2024

Full St. Nick’s News for August 23, 2024

Dear Friends,

Last night, Jeremy and I attended the Installation of the new Rector (head priest) at Reconciliation in San Antonio. It was a beautiful service and as I sat there listening to the readings and watching the community of faith beam with excitement, I was so encouraged! I will confess my mind wandered a little bit and I began to wonder if the gathered community realized how much their gifts and their presence is needed to build the Kingdom of God and make the church a sacred and loving space.

I often think, and sometimes remember to say to visitors at St. Nick’s, “your presence is helping us become who God has called us to be…” Last night, I wondered if the gathered community realized how much of a difference they can make. Sharing the good news that we are loved beyond measure by a God of Grace, Forgiveness, and abundant love is such an urgent and important work! Do we know what a difference we can make in the church and in the world? I was humored when my thoughts were interrupted by Paul’s letter to the Romans. The entire chapter, Romans 12:1-18 was read. But the following passage particularly caught my ear and heart and felt relevant to my wandering mind:

We have many parts in one body, but the parts don’t all have the same function. In the same way, though there are many of us, we are one body in Christ, and individually we belong to each other. We have different gifts that are consistent with God’s grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, you should prophesy in proportion to your faith. If your gift is service, devote yourself to serving. If your gift is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. If your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion. The one showing mercy should be cheerful. Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! 

As we enter our new program year and our fall schedule, I find these verses a helpful and affirming guide to encourage us to consider what our gifts are and how we might use them for the Glory of God. I find these verses to be an invitation to set our souls on fire so we may love Jesus, one another, and our community with boldness, abundance, and life-changing generosity.

In this newsletter you will find information regarding our fall schedule, church and diocesan events, and information on our 5K4JESUS initiative. I pray there will be times when you will be ministered to and times when you are doing the ministering and serving others. I pray your faith grows and will be renewed as the events, studies, worship, friendship, and service opportunities bless you with holy experiences of God through Jesus Christ.

As always, I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday for worship!

God’s Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Beth+