The words above were a prophecy received at our vestry retreat in early February. They were much needed and the encouragement from our Lord reminds us of His unfailing love for us and His provision, even in times of great need.

If you remember at our Annual Meeting, I announced that our preliminary budget was significantly in the red, and that I would report back after the retreat with our plan on how to remedy the solution. For more information, please view my Annual Meeting Report available on the website.

Obviously, the first remedy is to increase revenue, and I am grateful to those of you who have increased your giving, begun fund-raising efforts, or have sent in your stimulus checks. It is a start, but not enough. Here is what was decided at the retreat:

It is still too early to tell if further staff reductions will be necessary. We are waiting to see the response from the congregation, fundraiser results, how quickly people return, and how those returning, and those new to the church gained through our livestreams, impact the overall giving. Suffice to say any gains must be permanent if we expect to maintain the remaining staff.

We ask that you refrain from speculating on the staff’s future. Obviously, we are all concerned, but following the received word of God at the start of the article, we are trusting Him for the next steps. We are excited by what has been accomplished despite Covid: a satellite service now running at Freedom Plaza, more people than ever “attending” worship at SJD, either in person or remotely, the more than doubling of the Youth Group thanks to Fr. David, and the more than a dozen new individuals/families who have joined since Covid began.

Finally, I want to say a word about our Parish Administrator, Candy Allman.

First, I want to clear up some confusion; confusion that I am, in part, responsible for creating. Candy is being laid off due to financial shortfall. This is not a retirement and the unemployment benefits that we thought would make it a soft-landing end this month. Please keep your ears open for available employment for her.

On a personal note, I want to say how hard this is for me. Candy is not only a wonderful, loyal employee, she is also my friend. Parts of her job will be absorbed by me and other members of the staff, but some parts cannot be replaced. In many ways, she has functioned in a diaconal role, bringing the concerns of the parish to the clergy, and vice versa. Her ear, ever to the ground, meant she was often able to let the clergy know of pastoral needs that might have been otherwise missed. I will miss her as an employee, but thankful for our continuing friendship. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say – Godspeed.

What a great description in Ezekiel for baptism! The writer, of course, had no knowledge of the later belief in an eschatological resurrection of the dead and the passage should not be interpreted in that light; in fact, the only evidence we need is the resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. But note what IS being said. As in baptism, where we die, are buried and raised again, we are given a new spirit. It’s not of our own doing – this giving of hope and a reason for existence – it is the very gift of God. “Only God can restore Israel,” shouts Ezekiel in his vision. 

                                                                                       Father Lee 

We have been Live Streaming since September 2019, but it is still a new offering for us, and we appreciate the patience the congregation has given us. This ministry’s importance has only grown during the pandemic and I am thankful for all who are part of it. I pray we continue to grow in 2021 and as always, we are looking for anyone interested in helping to join us. Everyone interested can email me at [email protected].

Proceeds from the shop will bolster the financial needs of our church created by Covid-19. At this time, the SHOP will be OPEN on the Saturdays we have the DIVINE MARKET PLACE here at SJD - the 3^rd Saturday of each month from 9-1. The SHOP is located in the North Sunday School Room adjacent to the Parish Hall. Entrance will be from the outside only. We will have linens, clothing, jewelry, small furniture pieces, glassware, and knick-knacks.

Due to limited space, DO NOT BRING ITEMS TO THE CHURCH. If you have items to donate, please call either Barbara Gentry (633-3363) or Jackie Winder (633-3198). We will determine donation acceptability based on available space and quick sale potential. We are looking forward to making this a profitable and fun venture. Please stop by and take a look.