Epistle to the People of Grace Church from the Rev. Ted Cobden

Dear friends of St. George and and St. James now gathered together in Christ as Grace Church.
As the days shorten and winter descends upon us, I often enjoy an evening before the fireplace. I gaze into the warming flames and let my mind roam on pleasant memories and imaginings. As the time passes the logs burn down into pieces and fall apart into charred embers.

To restore the fire, I take some of the larger pieces and place them together. Then the flames begin to start up again. It’s ready for new wood. Soon the fire is restored.

I see this as a metaphor of our life together. In the course of our long lives, each of us as St. James and St. George experienced circumstances which used up our resources. We were nearly exhausted. But God found a wonderful way to place us together and we reignited. We are given new life. The Holy Spirit is breathing anew in us. The new flames are Grace Church.

Now as stewards of the Church we are responsible for adding new fuel, new resources to the fire, to the life of the congregation. Each of us brings new energy to the mission of the church. The energy of imagination, prayer, commitment, faith and hope. The energy of time and abilities to rekindle our outreach and care of others. We add to the light and warmth of our mission by giving our financial support. A percentage of our income.

God invites us to do our best to let the warm love and light of Christ shine forth with renewed vigor. May God richly bless us as we radiate anew as Grace Church.