The prelude is a time for preparation for worship.
As we enter the sanctuary, let us prepare through quiet prayer and meditation.
The service is being livestreamed and recorded and will be available on our Facebook page and on YouTube.
The People’s responses are in bold type, and directions are italicized.
As a courtesy to others, please silence your cell phone.
The Hymnal 1982 is the blue hymnal; Wonder, Love, & Praise is the green hymnal; Lift Every Voice and Sing II is the red and black hymnal
PRELUDE: “Voluntary in F” J. Stanley
Prayer Requests, Birthdays/Anniversaries, and Announcements
PROCESSIONAL HYMN:
“As those of old their first fruits brought” The Hymnal 1982, #705
1 As those of old their first fruits brought
of vineyard, flock, and field
to God, the giver of all good,
the source of bounteous yield;
so we today our first fruits bring,
the wealth of this good land,
of farm and market, shop and home,
of mind, and heart, and hand.
2 A world in need now summons us
to labor, love, and give;
to make our life an offering
to God that all may live;
the Church of Christ is calling us
to make the dream come true:
a world redeemed by Christ-like love;
all life in Christ made new.
3 With gratitude and humble trust
we bring our best to thee
to serve thy cause and share thy love
with all humanity.
O thou who gavest us thyself
in Jesus Christ thy Son,
help us to give ourselves each day
until life’s work is done.
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen.
People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
GLORIA:
“Glory to God in the highest” The Hymnal 1982, #S278
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.
Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Collect of the Day
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Please be seated.
First Reading: Acts 17:22-31
Reader A reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him—though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’
Since we are God’s offspring, we ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
The Response: Psalm 66:7-18
7 Bless our God, you peoples; *
make the voice of his praise to be heard;
8 Who holds our souls in life, *
and will not allow our feet to slip.
9 For you, O God, have proved us; *
you have tried us just as silver is tried.
10 You brought us into the snare; *
you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.
11 You let enemies ride over our heads; we went through fire and water; *
but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.
12 I will enter your house with burnt-offerings and will pay you my vows, *
which I promised with my lips and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.
13 I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts with the smoke of rams; *
I will give you oxen and goats.
14 Come and listen, all you who fear God, *
and I will tell you what he has done for me.
15 I called out to him with my mouth, *
and his praise was on my tongue.
16 If I had found evil in my heart, *
the Lord would not have heard me;
17 But in truth God has heard me; *
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
18 Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *
nor withheld his love from me.
Second Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-22
Reader A reading from the first letter of Peter.
Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you– not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
Reader The Word of the Lord.
People Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
GRADUAL HYMN:
“O Jesus crowned with all renown” The Hymnal 1982, #292
1 O Jesus, crowned with all renown,
since thou the earth hast trod,
thou reignest and by thee come down
henceforth the gifts of God.
Thine is the health and thine the wealth
that in our halls abound,
and thine the beauty and the joy
with which the years are crowned.
2 Lord, in their change, let frost and heat,
and winds and dews be given;
all fostering power, all influence sweet,
breathe from the bounteous heaven.
Attemper fair with gentle air
the sunshine and the rain,
that kindly earth with timely birth
may yield her fruits again:
3 that we may feed the poor aright,
and, gathering round thy throne,
here, in the holy angels’ sight,
repay thee of thine own:
That we may praise thee all our days,
and with the Father’s Name,
and with the Holy Spirit’s gifts,
the Savior’s love proclaim.
The Gospel: John 14:15-21
Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said, ”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.
”I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Deacon The Gospel of the Lord.
People Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Please be seated
The Homily The Rev. Benjamin Speare-Hardy, III
Please stand as you are able.
The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Reader
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we pray for The Church of Pakistan (United).
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for Good Shepherd in Athen’s and St. John’s in Columbus.
In our Parish Cycle of Prayer we pray for Ann Phillips; Dave & Janet Reuter; and Rob, Eva, Madeline, and Elizabeth Reuter.
Father, we pray for your holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.
Grant that every member of the Church may truly and humbly serve you;
That your Name may be glorified by all people.
We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of your Word and Sacraments.
We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in your sight.
Have compassion on those on our Parish Prayer List: Claudia, Jim H., Hayward, George, Patricia, Jim T., Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family; and for all who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.
We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in your heavenly kingdom.
Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.
Celebrant Thanksgiving, blessing and praise be yours, God of the incarnation; because you care for us and for our prayer. May our love for you and our likeness to you be strengthened every time we pray. Amen.
The Peace and Flowering of the Cross BCP p. 360
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.
All are invited to bring their flowers and place them in the cross, or hand them to the acolyte while we sing…
“All things bright and beautiful” The Hymnal 1982, #405
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.
1 Each little flower that opens,
each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colors,
he made their tiny wings.
Refrain
2 The purple-headed mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning
that brightens up the sky,
Refrain
3 The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
he made them every one.
Refrain
4 He gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well.
Refrain
The Offertory – The ushers collect the offering at this time
Please stand as you are able.
PRESENTATION HYMN: “Alleluia” (v.2) The Hymnal 1982, #178
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give Praise to his Name.
Spread the good news o’er all the earth: Jesus has died and has risen.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the risen Lord.
Alleluia, alleluia! Give Praise to his Name.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Eucharistic Prayer D (The Book of Common Prayer, page 372)
Celebrant The Lord be with you.
People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Celebrant It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever.
Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.
Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing (say),
SANCTUS: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord” The Hymnal 1982, #S128
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Please stand or kneel
Celebrant We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.
Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.
When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
Celebrant and People
We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you,
and we pray to you, Lord our God.
Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.
Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name.
Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.
And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with St. Mark and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer BCP p. 364
As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread BCP p. 364
FRACTION ANTHEM: “Christ our Passover” The Hymnal 1982, # S154
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
therefore let us keep the feast.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The Invitation *Gluten-free wafers are available on request.
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Please be seated.
What we celebrate is not The Episcopal Church’s Supper, but The Lord’s Supper. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table for Communion; those not partaking are invited to come forward, cross your arms over your chest, and receive a blessing.
Please stand as you are able.
COMMUNION HYMN:
“The tree of life my soul hath seen” Wonder, Love & Praise, #749
1 The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit, and always green:
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree.
2 His beauty doth all things excel:
By faith I know, but ne’er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.
3 For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all: but now I see
’Tis found in Christ the apple tree.
4 I’m weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest awhile:
Under the shadow I will be
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.
5 This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.
Post-Communion Prayer
Celebrant Let us pray.
Celebrant and People
Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Blessing
RECESSIONAL:
“I serve a risen Savior” LEVaSII, #42
1 I serve a risen Savior,
He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living,
whatever others say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
2 In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
through all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
will come at last.
Refrain
3 Rejoice, rejoice. O Christian,
lift up your voice and sing.
Eternal hallelujahs
to Jesus Christ, the King!
The hope of all who seek Him,
the help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
so good and kind.
Refrain
Dismissal
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.
POSTLUDE: “Trust and Obey” arr. J. Raney
Thank you for joining us in worship.
Please know that your participation with us today,
in person or online, has been a blessing.
READINGS and MINISTRY SCHEDULE
May 10, 2026
The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Readings:
1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21;
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Guest Preacher: The Rev. Benjamin Speare-Hardy III
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Lay Readers: Laura Leach, Rene Meadors
Chalicists: Jim Rudd, Judy Rudd
Tech & Facebook Live: TJ Walch, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Dave Reuter, Tony Rubino
Counters: Pam Kulhanek, Gary Welch
Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow
Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino
Candle: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber
Altar Flowers: Wagner Family
Coffee Hour: Adam Holmes / Welch Family
May 17, 2026
The Seventh Sunday of Easter
Readings:
Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36,
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11, John 17:1-11
Celebrant: The Rev. Jean Vargo
Organist: Barbara Acker-Mills
Acolyte: TBD
Lay Readers: Elizabeth Wagner-Weber, Gary Welch
Chalicists: Kendall Rubino, Carol Williamson
Tech & Facebook Live: Dave Reuter, Katherine Wagner
Ushers: Wayne Harper, Jim Rudd
Counters: Tony Rubino, Katherine Wagner
Open/Close: Wagner/Nancarrow
Altar Guild: Carol Nancarrow, Kendall Rubino
Candle: TBD
Altar Flowers: Dave & Janet Reuter
Coffee Hour: Norma Peachy / Ginny Tuxhorn
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Announcements for the Week of May 10
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The ALTAR FLOWERS are given by the Wagner family in celebration of all the moms
The CANDLE in the Sanctuary Lamp is given by Elizabeth Wagner-Weber in honor of St. Margaret’s
COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Adam Holmes and the Welch Family
May 15 – Canterbury Court Ministry – Butterfly Garden Volunteers are needed from 9-11am to weed and plant the Butterfly Garden. Donations of perennials, annuals, or funds are welcome. Please give any plant or monetary donations to Jim Rudd by today.
May 17– Hunger Sunday; see the Lion’s Tale for details
Mentoring and Tutoring Program – St. Mark’s is partnering with Mad River Local Schools to support 1st–4th graders at Saville Elementary through mentoring or tutoring. Please sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office.
Flags for Heroes – Honor a hero through the Beavercreek Rotary’s flag display on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Each flag includes a medallion with your honoree’s name. Cost for all three holidays is $55. Contact Jim Rudd for details.
Follow St. Mark’s on Facebook – Support our Outreach by engaging with our posts – likes, comments, and shares help expand our reach and visibility.
JOINT Worship Services/Events for St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s
Sunday, May 24 – Pentecost Service at St. Paul’s at 10:00 a.m. “Every time I feel the Spirit moving, I will sing.” Join us as we celebrate the birth of the Church – a service that is “special, grand, spiritually alive, and fulfilling.” Wear red if you like and bring your spirit of celebration. Come and worship!
Tuesday, May 26 – Join St. Mark’s and St. Paul’s at the Dayton Dragons game on Tuesday, May 26 at 7:05 pm. Free tickets are limited- reserve by May 19 through St. Paul’s (937-293-1154). See sign up sheet for details.
Saturday, May 30 – Fellowship Luncheon – St. Mark’s, St. Paul’s, and the Lutheran Church of Our Savior will gather for lunch at St. Paul’s from 11:00–1:30. Tickets are $15; reservations due May 22. For details, call St. Paul’s at 937-293-1154.
June 24 Men’s Group – The Men’s Group is back! Join us Wednesday, June 24, from 6–8 PM. This is a relaxed, social gathering- no agenda, no pressure. Monthly meet ups will continue on the last Wednesday of each month. Location will be announced soon. Open to all men of St. Paul’s and St. Mark’s; friends welcome.
Sunday, Jun 28 – Outdoor service at 10am; Potluck Picnic to follow. Location TBD
Sunday, Aug 2 – Outreach Project and Worship Service at St. Paul’s at 10am.The Outreach Committees at both parishes will work together to organize details for a joint outreach project.
Sunday, Oct 4 – Outdoor Worship service & Pet Blessing at 10am. Location TBD.
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Prayers for the Week of May 10
For all who long for peace and safety, for all who seek justice, mercy, and belonging, and for all who carry burdens of grief, illness, fear, or uncertainty: may the Risen Christ shelter them with courage, surround them with welcome, and kindle hope where it feels lost – especially among mothers, mother-figures, and all who nurture life in ways seen and unseen.
For those on our parish prayer list: Claudia, Jim H., Ginny, Patricia, Jim T.,
Mary-Anna, Wayne, Judy, Juanita, Rob, Susan, and the Darnell family.
For those who suffer from illness, grief, or any other adversity:
Andrew; Blaze; Chip; Chris & family; Chuck; Clara; Crystal; Emily; Emma, Lowell, & the Burton Family; Fr. John; Fred; Katie; Luann; Mary; Natasha; Patti; Regina; Renea; Roberta; Steve; Tonia; Tony; the Younge Family.
For the mission work of this congregation: CARE House, Canterbury Court, St. Paul’s UMC Food Pantry, Hope4Riverside, Neighborhood Bridges, and for the seven non-profit groups who use our Community Building.
For our Diocesan Bishop: The Rt. Rev. Kristin White
For our Assisting Bishops: The Rt. Rev. Wendell Gibbs, The Rt. Rev. Nedi Rivera, and The Rt. Rev. Kenneth Price
For our Presiding Bishop: The Most Rev. Sean Rowe
A Holy Cycle
The transition process is a holy cycle.
It begins with discovering what God is already doing in our community. We observe, listen, and ask questions.
We look for the small and large ways God’s love is at work among our neighbors – whether they live next door or in the next town.
As we learn the needs of our community, we also pray and reflect on our own gifts and passions, both individually and as a parish. We remember Jesus’ call to go and make disciples and Isaiah’s promise that God is making all things new. Our passions, shaped by the Spirit, meet the needs of the world around us. This is where ministry begins.
To be the church is to participate in God’s work. It is less about filling pews or balancing budgets – important as those are – and more about living the gospel with compassion, mercy, and Christ-like love. It is being the hands and feet of Christ wherever we are.
As we shape our parish goals, we shape them for the sake of our neighbors. We offer our community a church that cares for them, prays for them, and is present with them. And as God continues to inspire us, the cycle begins again: discovering need, noticing God’s activity, and listening for the Spirit’s leading.
May the Spirit of God inspire and guide you.
