The Road Ahead

The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

West Point, Mississippi

The Incarnate Word

27 October 2011

This is the last weekly newsletter I will write at Incarnation, so I want to leave you with a few thoughts about what to watch for on the road ahead:

• The central act of Christian worship is the Holy Eucharist.  Everything else (preaching, music, fellowship) is secondary.  Focus on the real presence of God in your midst.
• Worship = praise = thanksgiving.  Our worship of God adds nothing to Him, but re-binds us in our relationship with Him.
• You will be asked in surveys and in the search process about what is important to you and what should be important for the parish.  In responding, be honest about what you are prepared to invest in (in time, talent and treasure).  Don’t rate an area of ministry as important unless you treat it as important by your actions.
• Do not be passive in your faith.  You are called to add to the life of the Church.  Don’t allow the life of the Church to slip into a “lower gear” in the absence of a pastor.
• In this new season in the life of this parish, pray, and ask yourself what more God is calling you to do.
• If you are a parent, focus especially on keeping your children involved.
• Explore resources and programs available through the diocesan website.
• Explore how this parish can better connect with other area churches, to form a more effective common witness to the Good News of God in Christ Jesus!
• Pray continually.

EYC:  EYC is inviting the members of the Mt. Hermon youth group to join them for the monthly EYC breakfast on Tuesday, 1 November.  Adult help is needed in breakfast preparation, for a group of about 15, total.  This is a trial run, to explore whether EYC can take the lead in organizing community youth prayer breakfasts to occur monthly.  Please help make this a success.  If you can help, call the office.

Fall clean-up:  Fall clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, 29 October, from 8:30 until noon.  There will be indoor and outdoor work crews. 

Stewardship:   The stewardship campaign ends this Sunday.  Please return your card to the parish office.

New to the prayer list:  Catherine Reich, The Rev. Marie Gray, Alex Coggins, Judy Jackson, the repose of the soul of Sgt. Maj. Bob Maddox.

Thanksgivings:  Thanksgiving is offered to Joe and Betty Trulove for hosting the going-away party last Sunday, and to all the many parishioners who cooked and otherwise contributed to an event embodying Christian fellowship.

Music this week:  The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and on Sundays at 9:45 a.m.

Pro.      379, God is Love, let heaven adore him

Seq.     632, O Christ, the Word Incarnate

Anthem: Give us the Wings of Faith to Rise (Hymnal 253)

Rec.     665, All my hope on God is founded

Com.   314, 343

Please add your voice!  The choir needs another soprano, an alto and a tenor.  All voices are welcome.