| |
We, all of us at AHCC, have been so richly blessed on this life journey of ours that we, in return, can be nothing less than a blessing to others … as we seek a path of clear discipleship in the manner of Jesus, who is our Christ. We are called to engage in thanksgiving as we live our daily lives. We are invited to be part of a faith community to know that we are loved, worthy and created in the image of a loving Creator.
It is an experience of biblical proportions as we witness the reality of all things being made new … again! From the dedication of new and renovated space … to the planting of trees and the sharing of promises to remember and yet look forward to all that God is calling us to become.
And … we need you to be a part of this new step, in a new year and with a new sense of “calling.” God’s promises are clear … God’s presence is certain … God’s life changing and loving power is absolute.
Thanks be to God!
2007 Annual Report from the Senior Minister
For the ordained ministry which you have “called” to this historic and visionary family of faith, this has been, indeed, a very good year. A “good” year marked by new frontiers of faithfulness, new understandings of in-reach and outreach, windows opened to new possibilities and responsibilities, and myriad persons seeking to continue the journey of hope, compassion and understanding. We are clearly moving toward a new threshold of even greater embodiment in the Spirit of a Living God who melts us, molds us, fills us and uses us. Thanks be to God!
In our thankfulness, we see indications of new life and meaningful abundance all about and around us. It is this new life and abundance which suggests that absolutely nothing is impossible for those who love the Lord and who commit their lives to doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with their Creator. And, we are able to note this, even as we observe the injustice that still abounds, the trend toward unkindness as a culture and the cherishing of power in contrast to the humble spirit and presence. It is a day to be hopeful and to work toward the fulfillment of that hope embodied.
Furthermore, we as your “ordained” pastors believe that the commitment to worship, education, service and fellowship continues to grow in the belief that we are pastors, priests and prophets to and for one another. We believe that the “priesthood” of all believers grows daily in the family we know as Asylum Hill. In conversation and celebration, we accentuate the conviction that every voice needs to be heard just as we know that everyone and every voice comes with its own special story … replete with joys and sorrows, hopes and dismay, tears and laughter. And God looked at everything to which God had given life, and proclaimed it to be good. What a miraculous thing to say and believe!
For Peter, Erica and myself, an Annual Report is much more than percentages, figures and financial bottom lines. It is more than visits made, members received, and classes taught, budgets attained and figures on attendance. With our hearts, spirits and minds clearly still open to God’s wondrous vision and voice, we believe, in the best sense, that an Annual Report needs to reflect the spirit of a family and of a “body” that respects and honors its history and joyously anticipates its future. We are excited by the story of the church and the Savior we struggle to serve. We are grateful for all of the staff and parishioners with whom we serve. We are indebted to those who have come before. We are preparing for those who are yet to come.
We are thankful for all that you are and all that you do!
Respectfully submitted,
The Rev. Gary L. Miller, Senior Minister
|
|
