Dear Friends in Christ,
The picture above is from our Holy Hike last Monday. Notice which way we are going? Up!
One of my favorite things to do at Shrine Mont is to climb North Mountain. I love it for the climb, but I also love it for the view. Sitting on the rock that ends the trail, you can see all the way back to Virginia House, and far beyond, too. High up, the waves of the mountains are visible, long ridges that can’t really be perceived down in the valley.
I am thinking a lot about views and vision these days, because our vestry has spent a lot of time this summer discerning a vision for this parish. We have looked at our life together in different ways—scrutinizing our present resources, discerning about what future God might call us towards.
Now is the time for you to come see the view, too. At Shrine Mont, we’ll have a presentation on this emerging vision, with an invitation for you to join in the conversation. We want to see what you see and hear what you have to say. (We’ll repeat this session on Russell Road on September 24, Founders’ Day, as well as special sessions for La Gracia and Little Church.)
Ronald Heifetz, a professor of leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, talks about the need to “get on the balcony”—to climb high to get a good view of patterns, currents, and trends. I prefer the mountaintop, literally and metaphorically. It’s where Jesus went, and it’s where we get to go, too.
I hope you will devote some prayer to this parish family. What is God’s hope for us? How might we make God’s dream a reality? What do we see when we pause, look, and listen?
Whether you are going to Shrine Mont or not, I hope to see you soon on the mountaintop.
Peace,
Anne