The Rector's Ramblings...October 1, 2009

The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Sawyer 

During the past week I have been reading some material concerning ways in which churches can continue to expand their mission, ministry, and outreach even in the midst of lean economic times.  One of the ways that has helped a number of churches is the development of partnerships with others.  These partnerships could be made up of other churches or even other community agencies.  The two key elements in the development of partnerships are 1) we are able to reach out to more of those in need and 2) the people of the different groups involved are able to build relationships, share gifts, and learn from each other.  On a spiritual level, more people will learn how we, as Episcopalians, live into our relationship with Jesus Christ.  I encourage each of you to begin to think of ways that we might develop partnerships in our community.

By the way, we already have at least three partnerships in place here at Good Shepherd.  First, there is our relationship with the Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen.  Not only do we provide a home for them, we also contribute financially, and a number of our parishioners work with volunteers from across the Triangle to feed those in need.  We also have a partnership with Habitat for Humanity as a number of the group that I think of as the Shepherd's Builders, lead by James Deal, help to build homes for those in need.  They will begin another project next Saturday, October 10.

The third partnership was developed by Donna Gundrum, our Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  Our Youth Group and the Youth of Grace Church, an Episcopal Mission in Clayton, have joined together for a number of activities.  Last Sunday about forty youth and adults from these two churches joined with Margaret Park's Migrant Ministry Group to provide a meal and some social time for the farm workers in the Benson Area.  It was a joy for me to be with them.  I believe that all of us have grown in our faith through the experience that we have had with our brothers and sisters.

As I finish this "Rector's Ramblings" I am beginning to understand how much life there is in our wonderful old parish.  There is a new feeling of excitement emerging as people are being empowered in their faith walk to go out into the world in the name of Jesus.  There is a place for everyone.  Come and join us at Good Shepherd and you will find a place where "God Happens."