We gathered on Sunday to burn the mortgage note on the Parish House, marking the blessing of generosity and commitment to a flourishing faith community in Glenwood.We are now a 40 year old, debt-free congregation poised to continue the good work begun by the many saints before us!
Thank you for the many ways you supported the mortgage pay off effort over the last ten years, especially. We began the capital campaign to pay off the mortgages (we had two of them in 2009!) as our national economy was struggling through a recession. Even so, the leaders of St. Andrew’s deeply desired to pay off the debt and move forward in worship, service, and formation.
These continue to be our priorities today:
-Gathering for worship on Sunday mornings with a compassionate and welcoming community;
-Reaching out in concern for the needs of others through pastoral care, fellowship, and outreach ministries; and,
-Forming disciples of God’s love as incarnated in Jesus Christ throughout the generations.
The vestry leaders of the congregation are committed to these priorities through three foci for their work in stewarding resources and envisioning the future of our ministry:
-Stability: enhancing the stability of the congregation, its households, and individuals, so that we may serve God and one another with the resources required for ministry.
-Partnership: creating partnerships with complimentary organizations to do the work that we believe the Holy Spirit is inviting us into as the Body of Christ.
-Flourishing: moving our own lives, community, and world into a place of flourishing in body, mind and spirit to fully experience the growth, joy, and peace that we know in Christ.
The mortgage note is not the only thing on fire at St. Andrew’s! We are a people committed to serving others– afire with passion for responding to the very real needs of refugees from Afghanistan and afire with learning more and more each day how to grow in Christ-likeness.
The pandemic has rerouted some of our patterns and priorities. Many have realigned their work lives and made changes toward health and well-being. We pray that those in the community who long to experience the joy of faith-filled folks gathering to worship God will pop in and find out if St. Andrew’s is a space where they can worship, find peace, and grow in their faith journey. Or, will reach out to a staff member to learn more before popping in to a service. We welcome your email or call!
Now that we are forty and debt-free, let us prepare ourselves for how God will direct our energies going forward. We enter a time of discerning. I pray that you will offer your own ears and eyes to hear and see where the Holy Spirit guides us next!
In peace and joy,
Dina
The Rev. Dina van Klaveren
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