Christ
Church, Exeter
June 27,
2013
Make God Real
"It
could be worse!" I announced at the beginning of last night's Celebration
of New Ministry. Though warm, humid and sticky, the afternoon rain
cooled down Pine Street just enough to ensure that folks would not topple over
from heat stroke by sermon time.
By all
accounts, it was a night to celebrate the ministry we share. Bishop
Rob gave a thoughtful, personal and inspiring message that called on all of us
to make God real in this world and to love everyone... "love them
all" he echoed throughout his sermon.
The musical
group Surcari from Connecticut was warmly welcomed and we hope to have
them back some time in the future for a Sunday morning. (For those who were
asking, I do have a few of their c.d.'s in my office that can be purchased for
$12.) Many thanks to the choir for reassembling for the occasion.
I was
surprised and delighted by the Latin-themed food at the reception and thank all
of those who made it possible.
So I believe
last night was the last official event in your Search process. Amen. Now:
forward.
I leave you
with the text of a quote that Bishop Rob mentioned last night. He framed the
quote as a gift to me which I will display in my office.
Archbishop
of Canterbury (1961-1974) Michael Ramsey wrote this to a priest to be ordained:
Through the
years people will thank God for you. Let your reason for their thankfulness be
not just that you were a person whom they liked or loved, but because you made
God real to them. Put yourself into God's hands in joy and thankfulness, and in
the words of St. Peter, 'Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that
God may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon God, for God cares
for you.'
Blessings,
Mark
The Rev.
Mark B. Pendleton
Rector
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