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We are in the season of harvesting here in North Dakota. We are taking a look at all the things that were new born in spring, the calves and kittens and dreams about vacations on a lake. And we are taking stock of all the things that have grown from what we planted last spring, the grapeseed and sunflower and corn and beans. This is the time of year when we evaluate how it all went and, based on that evaluation, plan for the future.
When I look back at what has been born since March 14th, on what seeds that were planted then and before then have emerged and borne fruit, even in this one season that we have spent together… I am amazed. And so grateful.
I could try to enumerate this bounty, the number of people who have begun discerning to holy orders, the parish profiles being prepared to call new clergy, the number of times the clergy and leadership have met, the new communications, the new website, the new tools and new programs and … But I would never get it all listed. And it is possible that I would not miss the most important things, the ones we feel, as members of this denomination in this diocese right now. You know best what they are. A sense of hope for our youth? A confidence in knowing who to call if you have to go to the ER? A feeling of momentum, or being heard, or being cared for? A renewed feeling of community?
When the candidates for bishop met with clergy in Jamestown, a priest of this diocese said to me, “I am just ready to get going. We have been holding on, white knuckling for a long time. I want to feel like we are thriving again.” Maybe it is just me, but it seems like we are seeing the signs of thriving across our diocese now.
We are not just existing, we are not waiting. We are not the best kept secret in North Dakota or the quiet diocese in the northern plains. We are strong and growing stronger. We are impactful and increasing in myriad ways. We are standing up and standing out in our communities. We are a model of ministry for the whole church.
Look around at what your hard work, resilience, determination and faith have wrought. Take stock of the harvest that comes after long seasons of planting and waiting… And pat yourself on the back. Well done, good and faithful servant. Yes, you.
And now get back to work: run for Diocesan Council, volunteer for a ministry or a committee, make a larger pledge to your parish, pray for our diocese and our church, give a gift in gratitude to the WoDakota Youth Program. Because we have solid evidence now that we plant and we water … and God gives the growth.
You remain in my prayers,
+Shay
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