Trinity Episcopal Church

January 3, 2010

Fr. Ricks Reflections

I remember back in 2004 Bishop Leidel asked me to contact Trinity Episcopal Church in Lexington to set up an interview. “Great!” I said, “Where’s Lexington?” Bishop Ed told me about a lovely parish that would need a new priest and some healing (the previous priest is a very fine priest and moved to Texas). He said, “Perhaps you can fill in for a while on weekends until you are finished with your last year of seminary in London” (Ontario).

So I went for an interview with the Trinity Vestry and we made an arrangement. In the year 2005 I became a full time deacon and then priest in August at Trinity. (So, this August marks the five year anniversary). When this newly seminary trained green deacon worked out some goals with the congregation I placed the following list in my day planner, and every day planner there after, to remind myself what Trinity has called me to do. I thought you might like reminding too:

• Focus on our callings as Christians- through sermons, Trinitarian articles, newsletters and special meetings.

• Provide pastoral care- through visitations, spiritual listening and just by being available for special parish needs.

• Project a Christ centered ministry- through biblical preaching, teaching, and example (the hardest part).

• Foster diocesan maturity- by participating in diocese events and keeping communication open.

• Practice evangelism and promote growth- by keeping our doors open to community events and special meetings.

• Foster charitable disagreement- by developing harmonious relationships with congregations and ministers of other denominations (and sometimes within our own denomination).

• Continuing education for the priest (that would be me)- through books and seminars and specific training programs.

I want to share my 2010 January New Year’s resolution. In addition to “never go to a doctor whose office plants have died” (Erma Bombeck), and “never smoke more than one cigar at a time” (Mark Twain), I am re-committing myself to YOU through the above goals. Hopefully with your faith commitment to your church, we will have an extraordinary year of knowing, loving, and serving God in this welcoming place.

Fr. Rick

Trinity Episcopal Church

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January 3, 2010