Looking Back
Here am I; send me!
The Eucharistic Prayer we are using this through Stewardship Season and this fall includes a verse from Paul’s Letter to the Romans, “we present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies.” That is another way of saying “Here am I; send me.” I think we also see the in these words the Stewardship understanding of offering our time, talent, and treasure. Looking back on this last year, I can see many ways we have done just that.
Here are some of them:
Our ministry catalog is 36 pages with thirty ministries led by St. Peter’s and our ministry partners.
Crossroads is fulfilling our vision of being a center of ministry and community life. In addition to St. Peter’s, more than ten ministries, community groups, and organizations use Crossroads every week, welcoming hundreds of people.
Our ministry partnership have grown to include the VNA, CentraState, No Stigma Network (for young adults with mental health challenges), Freehold Borough, and the Sheriff’s Department on community health initiatives.
We have refurbished the exterior of the Keith Building, stabilizing cracked walls, and given the Thrift Shop a complete face lift.
As the oldest institution in Freehold, our properties are now showpieces in the Freehold Historic District and a gathering place of several hundred people each day.
Our parish life has grown as we welcomed new members, all of whom have become actively involved in parish ministry.
Our Confirmands completed their two years of formation and a new class is starting up as we eagerly prepare for Bishop French’s first visitation.
We have taken another step towards meeting our diocesan minimum pledge while also providing hospitality for for major diocesan events.
We also continued our ministry as a training site for deacons in training as we journeys with Rocco Sherman during the final stages of his formation and ordination.
And, not least, during the Sabbatical, we learned just how well organized and capable we are as a community of gifted lay leaders, keeping everything running smoothly and rising to temporary challenges that were overcome by the teamwork of the community.
Offering our selves, our souls and bodies, is what makes St. Peter’s a shining beacon of God’s grace in a world that needs us. Our Stewardship is how we offer ourselves, not to an institution, but to a way of life that participates in God’s healing of the world. To God be the glory, and thanks to each and every one of you!
~ Dirk+