Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain 

The focus of my work at Christ Church during 2022 was meeting the needs of the congregation when we didn’t know if  the pandemic was still raging or not—two steps forward, one step back sometimes. Upon a review of my appointments  during the year revealed pastoral care with many individuals (mainly women), 14 couples (either pre-marital or  married), two weddings, nine baptisms and nine funerals. Two of the funerals were for the parents of one of the brides.  Going through our directory, it is especially poignant to realize how many of our older congregants have left us in the  last two years. Speaking a Word of gospel comfort is an honor and a great responsibility, that I do not take lightly but  cherish for the awe in Christ they inspire. 

WBS (Women’s Bible Study) studied the Gospel of Luke in the Winter/Spring, including the new scholastic study on  Mary Mag’dalene as the Tower of Faith and not from Magdala. Our Fall study was on Women and Grace, what does  law and grace look like with the women in the bible. Dave Zahl also visited to present on the subject from his new  book, Low Anthropology. 

Highlight of the Year? Experiencing the biblical sites where St. Paul traveled in Turkey and Greece with a group of 24  from Christ Church, including deacons Courtenay Evans and soon to be ordained Sam Bush. Standing where Paul stood  in Ephesus, Corinth, Mars Hill, the jail in Philippi and Thessloniki will influence, inspire and inform my ministry until  the end of my life. It was an utterly life changing trip and I will be forever grateful.  

Lastly, I am transitioning into the Downtown Counseling Center, a ministry of Christ Church. Throughout 2022, Ethan  Richardson and the DCC board have worked tirelessly to build a business model that can serve the underserved and  become a mental health resource for the community while listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. More to come in  2023 on the DCC.