The Lord said to Samuel, ‘See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle.’
I Samuel 3:11
I have always loved novelty and change. As a child, I enjoyed new toys, new games, new houses. I loved new television shows, especially new cartoons at the beginning of each new season (Does anyone else remember watching the Saturday morning preview promotional shows that whetted our appetites for the new Josie and the Pussycats or Star Trek cartoons?).
So it is not surprising that I am giddy about my new appointment as vicar of St. Stephen's in Fairview, Pennsylvania. It is a congregation in West Erie County with a strong tradition. Founded in 1964 by faithful families that were also looking to initiate a something new: an Episcopal presence and ministry in a growing community. It is a church with a strong history of commitment to authentic and engaging ministry (the architectural style has a Virginia flavor with an emphasis on congregational participation), a desire to be vital in the township (with a newly initiated community garden), and a love of children and their teaching/learning (housing one of the areas most respected and loved pre-school programs).
The first scripture on my first Sunday at St. Stephen's is the reading from I Samuel where he is called by God in the midst of transition to an unknown future. While God expresses anger with the way his people are living their lives (which is not a characteristic of St. Stephen's), he also affirms that Samuel is gifted with attributes, talents, and passions which will help his household and community to weather the changes that they would encounter.
My prayer, as I start this next chapter in my priestly ministry, is that my attributes, talents, and passions will help inspire the good people of St. Stephen's to embrace their various ministries and do the good work that God has given them (and me) to do. I look forward to our new relationship and to the exciting days to come.
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Shawn
I Samuel 3:11
I have always loved novelty and change. As a child, I enjoyed new toys, new games, new houses. I loved new television shows, especially new cartoons at the beginning of each new season (Does anyone else remember watching the Saturday morning preview promotional shows that whetted our appetites for the new Josie and the Pussycats or Star Trek cartoons?).
So it is not surprising that I am giddy about my new appointment as vicar of St. Stephen's in Fairview, Pennsylvania. It is a congregation in West Erie County with a strong tradition. Founded in 1964 by faithful families that were also looking to initiate a something new: an Episcopal presence and ministry in a growing community. It is a church with a strong history of commitment to authentic and engaging ministry (the architectural style has a Virginia flavor with an emphasis on congregational participation), a desire to be vital in the township (with a newly initiated community garden), and a love of children and their teaching/learning (housing one of the areas most respected and loved pre-school programs).
The first scripture on my first Sunday at St. Stephen's is the reading from I Samuel where he is called by God in the midst of transition to an unknown future. While God expresses anger with the way his people are living their lives (which is not a characteristic of St. Stephen's), he also affirms that Samuel is gifted with attributes, talents, and passions which will help his household and community to weather the changes that they would encounter.
My prayer, as I start this next chapter in my priestly ministry, is that my attributes, talents, and passions will help inspire the good people of St. Stephen's to embrace their various ministries and do the good work that God has given them (and me) to do. I look forward to our new relationship and to the exciting days to come.
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Shawn
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