A Message from the Rector
January 13, 2012

Jesus said, "Follow me."

Since our last annual meeting, the people of St John in the Wilderness have done amazing things through their good efforts and the power of the Holy Spirit. With events throughout the year, we celebrated our sesquicentennial theme, “Sacred History, Vibrant Future.” It is astounding to recount the things our people have done. Some travelled to Uganda to witness another successful graduation from the African Friends in Need Network School, others relived the dragging of our old wooden Church across the frozen lake, our Chancel Choir offered a spectacular sesquicentennial evensong, Kids Hope reached out in compassion, the Church purchased Bibles for Rush City prison as our E.C.W. offered prisoners Forward Day by Day Meditation Guides, our Sunday School teachers shared the faith with our children, some proudly marched in the Manitou Day parade, Pets were blessed, Law Enforcement Officers gathered in our sacred space, and the list continues with so many things for which we can be grateful.

In my first year at St John’s we averaged 206 worshippers a Sunday. In 2011 we averaged over 260 during the academic year. Amazing growth has happened. Not only have we expanded in attendance but in depth as we continue to grow in our faith walk as followers of Jesus Christ. Yet, like any family, we also have shared heart ache. The recession has deeply challenged many of our parishioners as well as the congregation’s finances. An effort was made to close the large gap in what had been pledged and what was needed to fully fund our 2012 Mission and Ministry Financial Plan. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach our goals. Thank you to everyone who gave extra. With that said the vestry faced the very tough decision to reduce our property and programming expenses. With removing as much as we could, staff cuts were still necessary to live within our means. Some have asked why we did not put the Church in debt to meet payroll while others have strongly spoken out that the vestry made the right decision in not putting us in debt during such challenging economic times for the whole country (and the world). On January 8, 2012, we celebrated our associate priests Joanie and Marilyn as their time with us came to an end. Their gifts and talents have been truly appreciated at St John’s and we wish them well with what God has in store for them next. Their loss is felt by the whole community, me included.

Our story does not end with this change, though. God continues God’s mission and we are called to continue our work. In 2012 we have a three point plan to, “Build the Body, Equip the Saints, and Change the World.” This is not just a staff exercise but a call for all baptized to join in the continued work of St John’s. It is your hands, heart and voice that we need to join with all the members in leading us through these tough times into the greener pasture ahead. God has a plan for us. It is a plan for good. Our job is to listen to God in prayer and study of Scripture, then to act in our own ways as we are called to serve the common good. Will you help me in doing this? The choice is ours to make individually and as a community. We can be dragged down in our pain or rally together for the next chapter in our part of the God story at St John in the Wilderness.

On God’s Mission,

The Rev. Mark W. Kelm