Loading...The Road Ahead
Dear Friends,
Kim and I have been with you now for just over a year and, it has been an exciting, adventurous journey. We have met some really wonderful people, seen some beautiful country side, and learned a lot about the colorful history of southwest Virginia. I have had the opportunity to discovery some of my own family roots in Bluefield, Princeton, Pearisburg, and Athens.
As congregations, we have sat together in training workshops, worshiped together, and shared great food and conversation. Along the way, we have had many talks about our future and what God wanted us to do. We have wrestled with discerning our mission and finding our way past the current state in which we find ourselves. It is always a humbling and often frightening thing discerning the road which lies in front of us.
After this year of discernment, it is time for us to make some changes as we encounter the challenges ahead of us. For some, these changes will be sad and difficult to face. But with these changes comes the opportunity of new life.
The first changes will happen with St. Mary's. Their vestry and leaders voted to explore the opportunity to join the congregation of Christ Church, Bluefield, West Virginia. Due to the state of their finances and membership, St. Mary's can no longer continue operating as they have been. By joining forces, these two congregations will be able to draw strength from one another, and be more effective in their outreach into the community. The timing for this possible move has not been set, but most likely it would occur within 4 to 6 months. Further discussions with the leaders of both churches are being scheduled.
This move by St. Mary's will have a direct effect on Stras Memorial in Tazewell. 48% of the Cluster budget is supported by St. Mary's, therefore, Stras will have to explore new ways of operating without St. Mary's contributions. I have discussed this with leaders of Stras, and promised I would work with them in discovering their new path.
Christ Church in Pocahontas is also aware that changes are in the wind. Morning Prayer with an occasional clergy visit will more than likely be the norm for them.
Changes are seldom easy and often a little frightening. However, there is a season for everything, and sometimes we need to change to be in step with our surroundings or even to survive.
There are exciting days ahead for the people of the Tazewell County Episcopal Church Cluster. The road will look different from the one we are on right now, and it probably won't be easy. But we will not be alone on this road we are asked to travel. Our Savior has promised to be with us always, even to the very end of the age. ( Matthew 28:20 )
Grace be with you,
Fr. Tom
