Dear People of St. James’,
How time flies! Believe it or not, Connor and I have been with you for about a month now. We have felt so very welcomed by you and energized for the good things that await us.
This first month with you has been full of listening and learning and basking in the joy of being with you. Here is a bit of what I have been up to:
- I have been part of significant and strategic conversations about racial justice and building up leaders at the Union of Black Episcopalians potluck, in the car on the way to the Commission on Black Ministry’s Absalom Jones Day celebration, at the seminary’s Black History Month lecture, and in one-on-one conversations with Episcopalians and other East Austin pastors. In the aftermath of the shootings in New Zealand, we packed our building with the Austin interfaith community for a vigil of love and solidarity.
- I have been learning about how lay people, our deacon, and our clergy share pastoral care responsibilities and respond to the needs of a diverse community by spending time with the Community of Hope team, the Monday night Intercessory Prayer group, Deacon Kyra, and members of the community.
- I have visited with adult formation groups like the Wednesday night Young Adult group, the Wednesday morning breakfast and Bible Study, the Phenomenal Women, and the Sunday morning pre-10:15 am service group. On top of that, we have launched a Wednesday night Lenten Series and a Sunday morning The Way of Love in Lent group.
- I have been learning about our outreach ministries, especially those that fall under the Welcome Table umbrella, but also the partnerships with Mobile Loaves and Fishes, Austin CHE, and the Trinity Center. At the end of this month, leaders of these groups will be attending the Episcopal Health Foundation’s In Common event together as a step toward deeper collaboration and synergy.
- I have been fully immersed in the liturgical life at St. James’, and I even had the honor of preaching and celebrating for Proyecto Santiago’s 1 pm community. One of my favorite experiences was a gathering in my second day in the office with the heads of our liturgical ministries in preparation for the season of Lent and Holy Week. I am constantly inspired by the artistry and creativity that are a part of our worship life together. Great conversations are emerging about the arts at St. James’, and the 25th Jazz at St. James’ in November is going to be something not-to-be-missed.
- I have been spending time with your Vestry, as a group and one-on-one, as we reorganize and revive the Vestry Mission & Ministry committee.
- Finally, I have been spending time with people who have been discerning their vocation to lay and ordained ministry, listening for what God might be calling them into next.
Exciting things are on the horizon in April as we move into the profound depths and mystery of Holy Week and Easter. If you are involved in liturgical ministries, or would like to be, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 6, for an afternoon Liturgical Community Workshop prior to Holy Week. If you are a parent of children or youth, reach out to me at rector@stjamesaustin.org, because we will be getting a conversation going on Sunday, April 7, about what we need in a new Director of Family Ministries. If you are wanting to get involved in a new way but don’t know how, reach out and let me know.
I am so grateful for this journey we are on together.
The Rev. Eileen O’Brien
