Dear People of St. James’,
Those of you who have been part of the Episcopal Church for a while know that a bishop’s visit is a big occasion! One of the four bishops of our diocese visits us every year in order to check in with the community to see how we’re doing, visit with the Vestry, welcome new members through Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation, and celebrate the eucharist with the community. This year, Bishop Kai Ryan, Bishop of the West Region, who offices here in Austin, will be with us.
Bishop Ryan already spent some quality time with our Vestry on November 29, and it was good to sit down together in person. It was an affirming visit. St. James’ is among the growing congregations of the diocese. Even though we hold some debt, our financial position is stronger and more stable than it has been in years, and we continue to do more with less through the active ministry of the people of St. James’, making a significant difference in our changing community. At that meeting, we spent a good deal of time talking about the nurturing of leadership and discipleship, growth, our curiosity about extending our ministry further into the Eastern Crescent, and black congregational health in the Episcopal Church. We obviously didn’t crack the code on any of those ongoing challenges, but I would say that we took a step toward becoming more active conversation partners with Bishop Ryan. And that’s exactly what should happen during a bishop’s visit with a Vestry.
This Sunday is an opportunity for you to get in on these ongoing conversations and to rejoice with those who will be confirmed, received, and reaffirmed. At the 10:30 am service, Tavian McGee, tenor, will be with us as a guest musician, and we cannot wait to welcome him. Between the 10:30 and 1 pm services, 14 people will be confirmed; 2 will be received; and 1 will reaffirm. How good! Between the two services, we will have a time of reception festivities (with a hot chocolate bar!) and time for you to greet our bishop, ask questions, and meet our new members. Please join us for this time of rejoicing.
See you Sunday!
Rev. Eileen
