My Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Too often, in a misguided grasp for status, power and influence, people turn times intended for fellowship and enriching the value of life and of individuals into occasions for prideful displays and competition, judging the value of others rather than valuing them. 

This sad social game inflates an ever more prevalent system of patronage. Favors, chits collected and chits called in, are the currency. It is a system wherein the Have-Nots have no play. They are effectively treated as having little to no value. For all intents and purposes, they are expendable. 

Have we forgotten or did we ever believe that we are all created in the image and likeness of God, that we're all God's beloved, that the mark of God can be seen in the face of every human being?

We are all equally God's beloved, even if some cannot stand others. It's time, then, to reject the old order of self-promotion and realize that we're also equal in need of grace and mercy. Being equal, it is morally unacceptable to participate in a system that places more value on some people and less value on others. 

I'm delighted that Christ's Church at St. Nicholas has welcomed the hungry and the unhoused, the poor and the comfortable alike. We have welcomed the Gay, Straight, and the Trans. We ourselves have been warmly welcomed and accepted. This hospitality is not the work of one person and certainly not of one priest. It is the work of the Spirit through the good people of St. Nicholas.

Similarly, our ministries - bingo hospitality and entertainment for our elderly neighbors, the Holy Provisions Free Community Market, and the Holy Grill Mobile Feeding Ministry - have developed into life-giving ministries because of the individuals in this parish who are generous with the time, talent, and treasure. And each one of those major ministries, along with the Altar Guild and others, are now completely lay led. 

As the time for my retirement and a clergy transition approaches, please realize that its the members of Christ's Church at St. Nicholas who have accomplished great things with much love. You have, are, and always will be empowered by the Spirit of Almighty God so continue to be bold. 

Each time St. Nicholas launched a ministry it entailed running a risk, but St. Nicholas boldly and repeatedly stepped out in faith. In doing so, St. Nicholas lived into graceful blessings. With open and Christ-centered hearts I have no doubt that even greater things are ahead. 

In Christ's Love,
Mark Andrew+

"Anxiety weights down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up" (Proverbs 12:25).