Leaders of political parties who want to get elected will often help people understand their priorities by telling them what they will do in their first 100 days in office. Today is 91 days since I started as the Rector of the parish, and I thought it might be helpful to give some insight into what I have been doing and what I think the priorities are for the near future.
I arrived in the parish during Lent, a hectic time in the Church year to begin. I did very little in this time leading up to Easter other than look, listen and learn. There was the small matter of Easter to prepare for as well. I have involved myself in visiting Aged Care Facilities for worship, attended a couple of home groups, and had many conversations with people who see my office door open. I have learnt that St Bart's is quite a large parish for one clergy person.
I have learned over time that it is better to take the time to set something up right the first time. It is more effort in the beginning but saves energy and resources moving forward. It also can mean some tasks remain undone for longer than I would like. So here is a summary of my priorities at this time.
Challenging the whole church to consider what God's mission looks like at St Bart's. This teaching prepares us to engage in a Mission Action Planning process that leads us to a contemporary response to "Knowing Christ and making Christ known."
I intend to focus our teaching on living as Christians because I believe this is a necessary response to a world emerging from the pandemic.
We are establishing a solid foundation in areas of communication, finance and governance. This work seems mundane but must be done well if these underpinning activities are to support our intended mission in the future.
I want to prioritise training for our congregation to support our mission in pastoral care, worship and faith formation.
On this day, when we celebrate Pentecost, we look forward to the ways God will pour the Holy Spirit into our hearts.
God's Peace,
Michael Stalley