Loading...Dear Friends in Christ,
What a magnificent celebration on July 20, in Roanoke as The Very Rev. Mark Bourlakas became the 6th bishop of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Everything was wonderful – the music, the sermon, the bishops in all their regalia, and the liturgy. We welcome Mark, Martha, Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth to our family of faith.
Bishop Mark started his leadership in a positive way by his presence with the youth of our diocese on their Appalachian Heritage Pilgrimage the week before his ordination. We hear that the Church is graying and it seems to be true, but it is also true that the future of the Episcopal Church lies in its youth. Presiding Bishop Schori has said that the Youth Group of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia is an example for all dioceses. Aimee Bostwick is to be commended for her leadership. It is a pleasure to watch her work with our youth. There is true love there. The then Bishop-elect Mark joined in with the youth in preparing meals for the needing of our area and the stocking of shelves and the making of personal item kits. He also joined in the walking of trails at City Park, going into the Exhibition Mine in Pocahontas and visiting Lost Mill. His daughter Hannah was part of the youth trip.
Talking about youth, there is a movement under way to revive the Inter-Church Youth better known as ICY. About twenty years ago Stras Memorial, Tazewell Christian, Tazewell Presbyterian, and Main Street Methodist formed the ICY because of low numbers of youth in each church – Stras had two, Allen Hatfield and Molly Mustard. The ICY was very active in doing local service, but also travelling to Roanoke, VA and Washington, DC to work in Soup Kitchens and Rescue Missions. It was on returning home from one such trip that the youth asked the question, “Why can’t we help feed the hungry in our town?” and thus was born “A Little Child Shall Lead Them Food Pantry.”
These same four churches are reviving the ICY and are inviting other churches in the area to join them. Each of the churches have committed funds to hire a full time youth director. This is very much needed, but is expensive. If you would like to help in this endeavor with money and time, please let me know.
Life is a series of new beginnings, new birth. We have a new bishop, we have a renewed youth group, and we have new members in each of our parishes. Let us all renew our faith with a better prayer life and in service. Remember it is in giving that we receive and in loving that we are loved. May God bless and keep you.
In Christ’s Love
Father Russ
