During the last week of September, I went on a pastors’ retreat in the Chicago area to St. Mary’s of the Lake University. There I subscribed to the Society of the Holy Trinity. You might see the acronym STS (Societas Trinitatis Sanctae) next to my name in many places. One activity at the retreat I participated in was the renewal of ordination vows. (See photo on page four.) I promise I did not plan this, but I renewed those vows less than a week before the anniversary of my ordination. On October 1, 2023, I was ordained at St. Paul’s, and I said the words, “I will and I ask God to help me.” Then Bishop Gohl placed a stole over my shoulders, and I found out how heavy the stole was. As the year progressed, I could feel the responsibility of ministry weighing on my shoulders.
This year was a blessed year full of achievement for this church. I learned a lot in the past year and I hope to continue asking God to help me on this journey of ministry. I want to thank all of you for embracing Hanna, Eden, Minnie and I into this church. We all truly feel loved at St. Paul’s and we are blessed to be a part of this church family. And I ask you, “What’s next here? We completed the first year together, but what’s the plan going forward?” We must continue asking God for guidance during this time.
Jesus says in the book of John the 16th chapter, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the Holy Spirit coming to open their minds. But today I ask you to be open to the will of the Holy Spirit and let him guide you and let him guide this church. We have many opportunities for ministry here at St. Paul’s whether you are interested in leading or attending a class or bible study, helping out with our Grassroots meals, or participation in worship. There are always opportunities here to grow with fellow Christians in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will be our guide forever. Let him take hold of this church and you will see how much we can grow.
Pastor Jim
The Rev. James FitzGerald