April 2010 "Our Vision"

The Vision Statement of Holy Comforter is artfully and faithfully crafted.  The men and women who worked on it took great care to express the heart of our parish.   I encourage each parishioner to take a few moments to read and then to savor it.  In fact, it is quite eloquent.  The Vision articulates who we strive and hope to be.  During this time of transition, it is especially important for each of us to live its call fully.  What does it say?  This is my synopsis:

We claim a vision.  We have one!

We are a "precious community bound together in love..."

Life is a gift.  Though complex with many choices,
it is also grace filled.

Christian life begins in baptism, is nourished by Eucharist, and is sustained by Love.

We are Anglican Christians - a community called to love even through our differences.

We are on a journey with one another.

Each of us is responsible for our life together.

We have had much feedback about our Vision Statement.  People across the country have read it and commented that it is comprehensive and inspiring.  It articulates well how we understand our faith and life.  We want our Succession Process guided by the wisdom and faith embodied in the words.  Now is the time to rededicate ourselves to its message and call.

The fifth paragraph of the statement says in part, "Each is entitled to all the joy, rights and privileges of community and must accept the duties, obligations and responsibilities that come with inclusion."  Community brings grace, support, comfort, and care.    Authentic community also includes obligation, service, commitment, and sacrifice.  Without the latter, community stays surface and veneer. 

For more than one hundred years, Holy Comforter has lived as a faith community, because our clergy and laity love and care about one another and our world and because we have embraced the obligations and sacrifices necessary for authentic community to be.

During our Succession Process, each of us is called to be steadfast and faithful, being the best we are and not slipping into harshness or pettiness.  This is the time to trust and to support our leaders.  Look for the best in ourselves and each other.  Give the benefit of the doubt.  Seek clarity and information.  Be a positive force for good.   If we do this, then at the end of our search, we will be proud of what has occurred.  God be with us.

[The entire Vision Statement can be found here...]