The Sentence of Consecration of our parish, which you can find in the hallway between the sacristy and the library, names that the devout people who formed this community of faith and built this church were moved to do so “either by the express command of God or by the secret inspiration of the Blessed Spirit.”
This indicates that God speaks to us far more than we realize. God communicates with us directly and often. The Spirit of God also prompts us in subtle ways. Moments when we are filled with gratitude, peace, and joy. Instants when we experience a sense of purpose, meaning, or belonging.
I call these ‘God moments’. You are holding a baby who looks at you with total trust and you feel a deep-down joy. You are kneeling in the nave of the church during a service, and moved by a sense of communion and beauty, you are filled with gratitude for being alive. You are driving around town or walking through your neighborhood, and seeing someone in need, you are moved with compassion and a desire to care for that person.
God uses these moments. Beauty that moves us and heals us. Worship that changes everything. Instants of gratitude and peace. Connection with others that leads us to friendship and service.
These are the moments that inform our mission statement:
To Love, Proclaim, and Serve God through
Amar, Proclamar y Servir a Dios a través de
● life-giving liturgical worship
● joyful community
● empowering others
You’ll note these touchstones and signposts in our new logo (courtesy of the wonderfully talented Judy Willard): love, proclaim, serve. They celebrate our diversity, our gratitude for our blessed history, and our hope for a joyful and hopeful future.
This weekend, as we celebrate Founders’ Day, let us remember those who were fueled by the love of God to create a church community where we can love God, proclaim the good news of God in Christ Jesus, and serve all of God’s people.
