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St. Mark’s Flag from Italy |
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Map from the Turn of the Century Islip, Long Island, New York |
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A November Beach Walk—It is just Great On Long Island |
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Deacon Gail, Bishop Provenzano , Fr rick, Jeanne Provenzano |
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From the Rector January 29, 2012
I thank God for the people of this St Mark’s community. I am continually humbled by the ministry and faith our people. Any Church worth its salt has to have the ability to continually build up Christian community, while we are seeking to do the good works that God has set before us. St. Mark’s is growing in spiritual strength because we are building up our community. For example look at our outreach ministry. At one time it was done faithfully by a few, but now we have a great many who are actively engaged. This means that we are not just helping those in need, but we are actively building up the bonds of affection, we are building up that rich sense of community, a sense of belonging, a community where is more and more room for new people to join in the ministry. It’s not a committee, it a groups of friends doing the work of the Lord. That I find highly attractive. And you know what, Others have found it attractive also. Because our works of mercy spring up from a joyful community they have attracted others into this good work. Its grace upon grace, and the ministry of the Church grows and strengthens us all.
Look at our Thrift Shop. They are not merely building up our outreach efforts to help those in need of clothes, but they have a strong sense growing sense of community. This outreach effort is so successful that God keeps blessing us with more. People of faith gather together for a common cause, which is to fulfill the gospel ministry of clothing people in need. The other result of this ministry is that St. Mark’s benefits financial. This year was record breaking. Please join me in thanking our Thrift Shop folks.
Also our ECW continues to be successful because so many join in the community and in the fun. This makes all their projects more fun to be a part of, and it takes place within the context of our Christian Community.
Remember the Softball game? Many Churches fielded a team, but as a congregation St Mark’s came out in real numbers. Even the Bishop Noticed. It is another visual sign of our Community of Faith in action. Besides we had food for the masses too. Thank you Deacon Bryan and Zerra.
Do you see the pattern. With our sense of community and belonging is strong our ministry is even stronger. As a Parish Church, we must strive in all things to build up our community rooted in Christ, and strengthen by the bonds of affection and undergirded at all time by our faith and worship. The ministry of Christ is the ministry of the whole Church, not just the ordained, and not just a hand full of volunteers. The Ministry of the Church belongs to Christ and we each our share. When we build up our community, the work is easy because we are not doing it alone. There is strength in numbers because our faith combines into a formidable force, filled with grace, and a common purpose to serve the Lord.
Do you see a pattern for our future? We are not in this labor alone. In Christ we are one. In Christ we are empowered to join in new ways, to be effective for God. If you feel like you’re doing all by yourself, then you need to step back into our community for support, love and help. The faith the strong upholds many, and the many creates the living Body of Jesus, so that we can be as Christ to the world. Build up the bonds of affection, Pray together, Worship together, respond to the human needs that are before us.
St Mark’s has been an oasis of grace and love, and like the old theme song, everyone can know your name… But that is only true if you participate. When our sense of community is strong, God blesses with Grace upon Grace. This is why Jesus established the his Church. |