From Bishop Steve – Newsletter 10.7.26

Dear Ones, 

One of the frustrating things about the time we’re living in is that our own agency often seems to be ineffective. People often ask me, “What can we do? Our population is declining. Young people are not attending. There are fewer and fewer folks available to do the work of ministry. What can we do?”

It’s clear we are seeing major shifts in the culture. Many older institutions are struggling. Volunteer fire departments. Symphony orchestras. Rotary clubs. Much of what we’ve lived with for a long time seems to be fading away.

At the same time, we are beginning to get a sense of new trends and new developments. I’m seeing new families and younger adults in each parish I visit. Not many, but a few. Parishes are getting creative about sharing facilities and ministries. And there’s a hunger for study and spiritual growth. There seems to be a growing interest in spirituality.

The whole of the recent House of Bishops meeting was spent considering the future church. We talked about what we can do to assist the church that is coming, the church we are preparing for those who come after us. It is clear to us that the most important thing we can do is to proclaim a compelling message of God’s love for the world. For us, yes, for the church, but more importantly, for everyone. It must be clear that we are advocates for the dignity of every human being. Our welcome must be broadly inclusive. As we sometimes sing, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

I think we know this. I think we believe this is our normal operating procedure. But perhaps we might want to revisit our message, undertake an examination of what we do, how we are known in the community. Perhaps our witness has become a little rote, a little flat. Do we see ourselves as genuinely existing for those who are not there yet? Do we see our parish as everyone who lives in the community?

In a world where too many minutes are spent alone on screens, the good news God’s love is a word many are desperate to hear. It’s time to rebuild our sense of community. Can we open our communities in new ways, proclaiming God’s abundant love for all?

Blessings, 
Bishop Steve