Dear Parishioners:

The Easter miracle transformed women and men from doubters to believers over 2,000 years ago, and has continued to do so ever since, in both great and little ways. One of the most joyous miracles I have witnessed during my time as a parish Priest is the transformation that occurs in the lives of people and their communities when people begin to see the Church as a vehicle through which they can serve and reach others.

All too often we think of tasks which we do for our neighbours or communities as being outside the church, not a part of our worship, but as people called to be Christians we live out our baptismal vows through helping one another. My hope for all during this Easter season is that you can continue to experience the miracle of transformation, through Christ’s death and resurrection, and enter into abundant lives of joyful service to those around you, not out of duty or obligation, but from grateful and generous hearts.

At our Annual Vestry Meeting in February we took time to celebrate the work we did in 2007, and to talk about the wondrous new endeavours in our future as well. For example, many ecumenical worship opportunities presented themselves in 2007 and I pray that there will be more opportunities for us to welcome other denominations and faiths to join with us as we give thanks to God, the creator of all.

None of the work we did in 2007 and none of the work we plan to do in 2008 would be possible without your generous support. With a grateful heart I thank you for all that you have done and all that you continue to do to help us to love, worship, welcome and witness in the name of Jesus Christ./P>

You will have received in the mail your Easter Offering envelope. I ask for your continued support for 2008 - not for merely surviving in ministry - but for the building up of the Kingdom in this place, and for making a difference in the lives of people in our community.

I look forward to this new year and the new hope that it brings. It will be a time of learning and growing together in the faith, even as we show forth the light of Christ to the community around us.

Yours in Christ,