January 2019
From the Rector’s Desk by Rev. Anthony MacWhinnie, II I almost did it… I almost typed “January 2018” instead of 2019. How long will it take for 2019 to seem normal? And really, change happens so fast sometimes, doesn’t it? It seems like the things we want to stay the same, well, they change super-fast. And then on the other hand, the things we want to change quickly, well, they change superslow, if not at all. Life is funny that way, isn’t it? My life is, for sure. January is the time that we often talk about change. Most of the world talks about resolutions but I feel like New Year’s resolutions are rarely successful. They aren’t for me, anyway. But change, positive change, well that’s a whole other thing. Knowing that change I want to see is probably NOT going to be the super-fast sort of change, I just have to put my mind to committing to that slow sort of change. They say that new habits form if you do something consistently for 30 days. In other words, it takes a month to develop a positive change in your life. The good news is that once that month is done, you’ve done it! There are a couple of things that I need to change in my life this year. And I think starting on January 1st, I’m going to commit to 30 days of those changes. And that is all. Thirty days. That’s it. If it’s a habit by then, then so be it. If not, then hey, I’ve not failed at some open-ended resolution. It just means my 30 days is up. No harm no foul.
Our Staff & Vestry Rev, Anthony MacWhinnie, II, Rector Vestry: Beth Woods - Senior Warden, Jim Warner Junior Warden Dora Giles—Treasurer Bill Hart, & Margaree Mills-Fitchett Kelly Fitzgerald—Clerk Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
So, what might you need to change in your life? Can you devote 30 days to that goal? Surely you can. Start small and don’t be tempted to increase it during those 30 days. Achieve your goal and then reassess at the end of those 30 days. And don’t forget to pray along the way. Habits, positive change… None of us is perfect. We all have something we need to improve and with God’s help, we can. Good luck. And God be with you. Anthony+
Ministry of the Month Our Ministry of the Month for January is the Souper Bowl of Caring The Souper Bowl of Caring is special for two reasons. Number one-it helps people who are hungry. Jesus calls us to help people in need. Number two is that Souper Bowl of Caring was started by youth. Every Super Bowl Sunday youth across the entire country ask people in their church to bring one dollar/canned good to church to give to people who are hungry. Each Sunday in January, please remember to bring a can of soup to church or bring other items that can be combined to make soup. We will collect all the donations brought in by our congregation and send it to Manna Food Bank to help people who are in need here in our community. Remember, we can make a big difference when we all come together to help. Please also remember to pray about this ministry. Dear Lord, we are thankful to be able to participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring. We ask that you bless people everywhere who are hungry and help us to help them. Help us to remember Jesus' words: "I was hungry and you gave me food, thirsty and you gave me drink....whenever you did this for one of the least of these followers of mine, you did it for me!" Amen.