From our Rector

What I say to you in the darkness, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, announce from the rooftops.

Matthew 10:27 (Common English Bible)

We live in a too-polite age.

 
I know…not from what you see in public figures and leaders. But they are grabbing and holding attention for the sake of their popularity and power. Most of us are reluctant to openly criticize those with whom we live and work.

An English acting teacher of mine once said that Americans subscribe to “the conspiracy of mediocrity.” He meant that we are always so worried about hurting each other‘s feelings or losing one another’s companionships that we won’t tell one another what we actually think; we lie rather than be honest. As a result, we can never really grow because we are unwilling to share or accept constructive criticism.

Jesus invites us into difficult conversations that may produce conflict, but from conflict may produce growth. Still, those conversations may support our church and its relationship to other churches in our diocese. One way to enter into conversations that benefit others is to participate in diocesan leadership.

Currently, there are openings on several committees and councils of the church in the Diocese of Western New York. These include diocesan council, the standing committee, and the trustees.

Diocesan council is responsible for controlling the budget and making sure that our diocese is using the resources. It gathers in the best way possible to share the gospel and to support the needs of our communities at our churches. The standing committee is a leadership body that, when we have a bishop, advises the bishop and gives guidance on the direction of programming and ministry. When there is no bishop, the standing committee acts as the diocese and authority. The trustees of the diocese monitor the investments and funds to be sure that they are both gaining healthy returns but also are being spent in ways that support the gospel and the mission we have in our region. 

There are seats available on all three of these bodies, and you may be called to submit your names for nomination. There are many at Saint Mark’s who have the gifts of financial oversight, ministry, and programming, leadership, and sound insights into financial investments. I hope that you will pray about the possibilities of you getting involved in our Diocese on a broader scale. Please don’t think you’re not loved and appreciated in your own church you are! However, you may also be Invited by Christ to share your talents and time on the next level.

Do not be shy about what you may have to offer. Do not be shy about speaking your mind, and offering criticism that may be uncomfortable, but may help yourself other others and the gospel.

Peace,

Shawn+