By Melissa Wilkinson, Pastoral Associate
As a continuation from last week’s message about new beginnings, I’d like to officially welcome Father Scott VanDerveer to our parish as Pastor! We are so excited to have him here!
In the spirit of new beginnings, we have some additional staffing changes as well. We are restructuring our parish staff to better accomplish the purposes God has for us here at St. Mary’s, and to be better stewards of what we’ve been given.
On a different note, this weekend, we honor the twentieth anniversary of September 11th. I’d like to thank Connie Schwartz, Sue Wright, Judy O'Brien, Father Kelly and for the Bell Choir from Our Lady of Annunciation for all of their work in marking this solemn occasion. As this twentieth anniversary approaches, please remember to keep in your prayers all of the victims and their loved ones.
As we reflect on the past terror attacks and the present heartbreaking situation in Afghanistan, I’d like to share a quote with you from The Purpose Driven Life. “Problems force us to look to God and depend on Him instead of ourselves…. Everything that happens to a child of God is Father-filtered, and He intends to use it for good even when Satan and others mean it for bad.”
We are reminded in Romans 8:28 that “all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
As St. Mary’s approaches our “Launch into Purpose” season, I want to invite you to host, participate in a Small Group or even start your own with a couple of friends. Remember, Jesus tells us that “where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.”(Matthew 18:20) Check out our website at stmarysglensfalls.org/purpose for more information.
We will have books available for pre-order for just $5. You can pre-order your copy and then pick it up at the Welcome Desk, the Rectory, or at our Launch into Purpose event on September 19th after the 11:15 a.m. Mass.
And even if you aren’t quite sure about a Small Group, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the book (you can even get it for free on the Hoopla app if you have a library card!) and pick out the time of day that you’re going to dedicate to reading a chapter of the book. Each chapter is only about 5 pages long, which should only require about 10 minutes of your time to read and reflect. Participating in this program will be a life-changing experience and I’m so excited to see each of you grow towards the purpose that God has for you.
Peace be with you.
Melissa
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