Monday, October 26, 2009

Keepin y'all posted - wish list updated

Gracious offers of assistance continue to come in and we are blessed by the opening of so many hearts. We are currently pursuing the sign out front and hope to have that in place very soon. I am working on the gathering of resources for both worship and community ministry. Among my sundry belongings, once I dig them out, are a lectern-sized lectionary (RCL) and a Spanish altar book.

Here are some wish list items (if you don't ask, you don't receive):
  • A lectern
  • A pillar or small-surface side table on which can be placed...
  • A nice bowl for a font
  • A vacuum cleaner
  • Waste baskets (we have only one and many rooms that need them) we now have 8
  • Folding or stackable chairs for the church hall
  • The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (we now have seven)
  • Bibles for Bible study down the road
  • Spanish Bibles (ditto)
  • Musicians and instruments
  • Effective means of communication with the community
  • NEW: an iron and ironing board

And always, always prayer that we may listen for and follow the Spirit and open our hearts to the people of the community.

I also ask your prayers for those who have felt they needed to leave the Episcopal Church, the community that once worshiped in this space. May everything they do for the reign of God be blessed, may they be channels of grace to others, may God heal anger and bitterness in all our hearts, and may we all move forward that Good News may be proclaimed by many voices and in many manners.

There is more than enough room in this part of town for every ministry God can raise up. Approximately 52,000 people with no church affiliation live in two adjoining zip codes.
Blessed God, you make all things new: Guide us as we seek your will for a new community of Word and Sacrament, that it may be leaven for the world's bread, and wine of delight for hearts in need; a gathering strong for service and glad in praise; and a people listening and responding to your presence in their midst; through Jesus our Redeemer and steadfast companion. Amen.

--the BB

8 comments:

Wormwood's Doxy said...

I noticed somewhere that you had a couple of new folks last Sunday! Many prayers for you and this holy venture, BB.

Pax,
Doxy

Paul said...

Thanks, Doxy. Visitors from around town have kept worship going. Especially exciting is the commitment of a lay couple who live nearby and want to see it stay open. Thanks to everyone for the prayers.

June Butler said...

Amen!

I gave you a bit of publicity on my blog, Paul.

Paul said...

I just saw that, Mimi. Thank you.

Fran said...

Oh Paul, so many prayers at what is being born here in your new church.

Blessings in abundance to you. I am sure that all your needs will be met and that your flock will grow. This is beautiful to behold.

Love to you and your new church!

Paul said...

Thank you, Fran. The outpouring of love and prayer is overwhelming and I am very grateful.

I should very much like to keep the focus on the Spirit and the People and not on this particular priest. I know what priest-centered churches are like and I don't want to be starting one. I am going to read all comments about "my" church to mean the church of which I am a part.

Love ya!

Rory said...

Existing commitments at St. Michael's preclude me from attending Sunday Eucharist at Our Saviour, but if you need an extra pair of hands on a Saturday or week night (other than Wednesdays due to choir practice) please drop me a line. In the meantime i'll start asking around for the stuff on your wishlist.

Paul said...

Thanks. There will be sundry Saturday tasks. (This Saturday afternoon I will be putting an ofrenda together, changing frontals, etc.) Wish list assistance is appreciated. I'm at work now. Catch you later.