While we certainly did not intend to have Scout Sunday and the Annual Meeting on the same Sunday – a massive snow storm forced the combination – it seemed to work out very well on February 1. Combining the two events highlighted St. Stephen’s commitment to The Vine – to sharing our space and our values with community groups like Scouting America that are equally committed to making Ferguson and our wider world more just, equitable and peaceful. It was also a joy to have so many young people participating in worship as readers and ushers.
As our Verger, and lifelong Scout, John Kavanaugh pointed out in his homily, “Scouts, are called on to be Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, and Kind; to help other people at all times. We, as a faith community, are called upon to love our neighbors as ourselves.”
I commend all of the reports shared in the Annual Meeting packet to you. The people of St. Stephen’s and The Vine are doing remarkable things for the glory of God and the sake of God’s people. While we face challenges ahead, none of them are insurmountable with God’s help.
In particular, I hope that many current members of St. Stephen’s will accept Senior Warden Susan Fazio’s invitation to join one of the Invite, Welcome, Connect groups in order to Invite, Welcome and Connect new visitors and potential members to St. Stephen’s and The Vine. For with God, all things are possible. (Contact Susan Fazio for more details or watch for more information coming soon!)
