From the Priest-in-Charge

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
—Matthew 9:37

Dear Friends,

The Gospel lesson we will hear on Sunday is the story of Jesus’ sending out of the Twelve. It is a discourse not just on the nature of discipleship, but more broadly, on the gifts and challenges of Christian community.

In the beginning of these summer months, Saint Philip’s may appear, at first glance, to be settling into a quiet, sleepy rhythm. The weekday services are reduced, the choir stalls no longer echo with the sound of Sunday evensong, classes and reading groups begin to take their summer hiatus.

But it is a deceptive picture…

Behind the scenes, the parish is humming with activity. Schedules are being mapped, music lists planned, guest speakers and teachers confirmed. Pilgrimages, retreats, parish outreach projects—not to mention a significant architectural restoration!—are all lining up into place. Stephen Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors are going out into the community. People are praying, studying, preparing.

For myself, this has been a week of meetings (Construction, Pastoral Care, Executive Committee, Finance, etc.), and in each, I have been struck by the great wealth of talent and experience with which we are blessed here. The work of the Church is all of our work. While we pray for the arrival of a new rector in this parish, and also for vocations across the whole Church, we should also remember how much we have to offer in our own lives of Christian discipleship.

“What is the duty of all Christians?” the Catechism asks us.

“The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.” (BCP 856)

“What is the ministry of the laity?”

“The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.” (BCP 855)

This summer, I invite you discern where you are being called in this parish. Where do you see a need, an opportunity, a sign of the work of the Spirit? What gifts do you have to give?

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

As we pray to the Lord of the Harvest, let us also put our own hands to the plough.

Yours in Christ,

—Fr Matthew