Transitions are tough, aren’t they? Discerning where the Holy Spirit is calling us is hard work, and it is often a long process. You all have learned something about that over the last year. Your vestry, search committee, lay leaders, and interim priests have led you through this period of discernment faithfully and prayerfully. Molly and I have also learned something about the difficult work of discernment as we have prayed and listened for the Holy Spirit’s call. But it’s worth it. The joy we all feel now is possible because we have faithfully and prayerfully discerned God’s will on God’s timeline, and we have answered the invitation to journey together toward the heart of God. 

We may be tempted to think we can put discernment behind us now. I believe we should resist that temptation. The spiritual discipline of discernment that we have learned in this transition should guide us as we move forward. As we get to know one another and imagine what is to come at St. Luke’s, let’s keep our ears trained on the Spirit’s voice. Here are a three ways we can do that: 

First, begin with prayer. Prayer grounds us, and without it we have no hope of hearing the Spirit’s call together. Beginning in August, we will have Morning Prayer at 9 am in the chapel, Monday-Thursday. On major feasts, we will celebrate a simple eucharist instead of Morning Prayer. We will also be restarting the Wednesday morning 7:15 eucharist. I am convinced that if we begin with prayer, there is always more than enough time to do what we are being called to do.

Second, do not be anxious. That’s easier said than done. There can be no doubt that there will be times when you feel like something has been done too quickly, or something is not getting done quickly enough! I will have those thoughts, too. But let’s set that anxiety to the side and allow the Spirit to lead us on God’s timeline. And if you find you are anxious about something, my door is open. 

Third, continue the good work we have already been called to do. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with all of you. In the absence of a priest, your ministries have not only continued, but grown. You have continued to offer the beautiful worship of our tradition, even baptizing during the interim; you have ministered to our neighbors with housing and food insecurity; you have cared for the caregivers through the blossom ministry; you have met to study God’s Word; you have prepared candidates for confirmation; you have supported the important and live-giving work of the day school; you have revitalized children and youth ministry; you have cared for the wonderful gift of your church building; you have made being a visible and affirming presence in Hot Springs a priority. I could go on and on! That shows real spiritual maturity and a real love for God and Hot Springs. We will continue to lean into those things–journeying outward and journeying inward. I look forward to journeying together with you.

The same Holy Spirit that has brought us to this point will carry us into the future by God’s grace. I could not be more honored and delighted to be joining you, and I cannot wait to worship with you on August 13.