The Rector's Ramblings...August 13, 2009

From The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Sawyer 

During this summer, I have had meetings with our Clergy, Wardens, the Director of Music Ministry, the Director of Children's Ministry, the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and our Support Staff concerning our Sunday schedule and how to make the best use of all of our gifts and talents for ministry at this particular time in the life of our parish as well as providing us with an opportunity for growth in the future.  These thoughtful discussions have helped me make a decision about our worship life that involves a change in the schedule for what we do on Sunday.  While I realize that change is sometimes difficult for Episcopalians, I believe this change will bring a new sense of vibrancy to Good Shepherd.

I presented this new schedule to the Vestry at our meeting this past Monday evening and received their enthusiastic support.  Therefore, on Sunday, September 13, Rally Day, our Sunday Schedule will be as follows:

                                                8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist (Rite I)

                                                8:45 AM - 9:15 AM -- Coffee Fellowship

                                                9:15 AM- 10:15 AM - Christian Education

                                                10:15 AM-- 10:25 AM - Last Cup of Coffee Fellowship

                                                10:30 AM- 11:30 AM - Holy Eucharist

This schedule provides us with a full hour each week for Christian Education and more opportunity for some fellowship time for people to get to know each other.  At our 10:30 AM Holy Eucharist we will use both Rite I and Rite II.  Since Rite I is more penitential, we will use it during the seasons of Advent and Lent.  Rite II will be used at other times during the Church Year.

Also, we are in the process of looking toward the development of a third worship opportunity that might possibly be held around the 5 PM hour on Sunday afternoons (being held at least two Sundays per month to start).  At this time we are working to determine both the need for this type of Eucharistic Offering as well as the vision that we have for it, i.e., just who it is we are trying to reach with this offering and just what liturgical style would be offered.

I hope you plan to join us for this new and exciting time in our life together.