Thoughts About Sunday's Meeting

June 4, 2012

Good Day to my Sisters and Brothers at St. Paul’s and Calvary Church.  You may not be aware of the fact that I am a Biblical Scholar and I’m familiar with both Old and New Testaments.  Yessir!  I know that St. Joseph built the Arc and Noah lived in Nazareth.  For scholars like myself, the church wisely invented “The Sermon” which allows our Ministers who are just a bit more qualified to offer insight and guidance based upon that Sunday’s lessons and readings.  Doesn’t it seem fitting that the recent Lessons and Gospel deal with a group of people who were frightened by the prospect of change and uncertain about the future?  Aren’t we similarly challenged?  Doesn’t it seem fitting that those same Lessons and Gospels tell us the group was visited by the Holy Spirit in the forms of fire and wind to open their minds and hearts so they could understand and be courageous about the challenges they faced?  The past few days have been quite wind blown and I’m told there was a spiritually moving incident at St. Paul’s Saturday into Sunday with the sanctuary candle possibly having burned much longer than expected.  Yesterday afternoon at the “Merger Meeting” chaired by Bishop Shaw held at Calvary Church, I had the distinct feeling that we were visited by the Holy Spirit to allay our fears; to give each the courage to take the next step in the merger process and for all to claim this news as good to those who were unable to attend the meeting.

The biblical group burst forth with courage, excitement and energy to bring the Good News to the entire world.  We are asked by God to be courageous, excited and to bring all of our energies to bear in working towards merging our Parishes – two cities -  into one new Church with Ministries in both communities with special concern for our Brazilian Brothers and Sisters.  Our challenge seems to pale by comparison to that faced by the Apostles some 2,000 years ago!  Having met many from St. Paul’s over the past few months and witnessing their commitment and energy level, I am very excited about the future and am absolutely certain the merger is God’s will for our Churches.

Bishop Shaw and other Diocesan Representatives have made it clear there is no handbook to guide us through the merger.  We have taken an idea, created a groundswell, sought help where needed and have indicated that we wish to proceed on our own but also retain the option to ask for the Bishop’s help as the need arises.  Bishop Shaw also commented that proactive activities such as this merger which can lead to an expansion of Ministries into the two communities are looked upon very favorably by the Diocese when (financial) decisions are made which directly impact the proactive Parish.

A big challenge? – You bet!  Problems and details to address?  Absolutely!  Do we have the expertise?  Without a doubt – we’re going to write some part of the handbook!  Ladies and gentlemen, if you truly believe that this merger is God’s will for our Churches, there is no way possible that we cannot succeed!  The Vestry of Calvary Church is to vote next Sunday whether to favorably (or unfavorably) recommend to the Church Family of Calvary to merge with St. Paul’s.  I intend to vote YES!

What is your vote?

Bill Hooper

Calvary Church