As many of you know, Parish Council met this weekend for its annual retreat. Yesterday, as I left that meeting, Garth suggested that I speak to you this morning about that event. I will do so -briefly - and with the clear understanding that I am sharing my personal reflections, my own first impressions of this event. Thus, this is not a report. It is, rather, a series of snapshots - a postcard (of sorts) from Temples Pasture.

Given the nature of these reflections, it seemed to me that I might set down my thoughts in the form of a letter, a letter to a friend. The following, then, is a letter to Janet.

Dear Janet:
Sorry that it's taken so long to write to you. Things have been, as usual - and as you well know - quite busy at St John's. It's that time of year now: Vestry, poverty supper, Ash Wednesday services and, of course, the Parish Council retreat. I'm just back from Temple Pastures (our Anglican Retreat Centre), so I'll start this letter with news "from the meadow."

I will begin on a personal note; indeed, with a confession. As you may remember, groups are required to bring their own food to Temple Pastures. Garth, and Glenn and Martha made sure that we were all well fed. Connie made date-squares, and Paulo brought chocolates. In the end, of course, by about 10 o'clock Friday evening, one of my most solemn Lenten resolutions - the one about the diet - had gone by the wayside. I'm thinking seriously of "imposing" my forehead with chocolate tomorrow, as an act of penitence. However, I'm afraid I'd just eat it.

"Garf," of course, was Garth this weekend. He did everything from making chili to providing a theological treatise on urban ministry. He managed to behave himself well until very close to the end - at which point he discovered that he could pick up "Radio Saskatoon" on his nifty new hearing aid, and we lost him entirely.

I discovered all sorts of things about all sorts of people this weekend.
For example, did you know that Don Smith - from our 8 o'clock service - could wash dishes at something approaching the speed of sound?

Did you know that some people actually do get up, get dressed, have breakfast, and go for a walk all before 7 a.m.? I came downstairs in my nightgown at about 6:45 in search of a glass of water. I thought everyone else was still in bed. Unfortunately, this was not true. As a result, there are now at least three members of Parish Council who know precisely why I must diet, that I carry a green beach towel whenever I travel, and that I wear almost as much mascara as my mentor, Tammy Faye.

So, generally, Janet, it was a fun weekend - a good time for people to get to know each other, since they will be working together all year. But it was not all fun because serious matters were discussed. At times the debate was quite heated.

As you probably know, St John's experienced a financial deficit last year. So money - or, rather, our stewardship thereof - was high on the agenda. My impression is that Council is resolved to face this challenge head-on, and to spend whatever time and energy is necessary to bring our "fiscal house" in order. There was certainly an air of determination in the room. And I sensed a quiet confidence - not only in God, but also in the vitality, commitment, resourcefulness, and generosity of our community.

We also spoke about our land and building, and the work of the ARC Committee. As you know, there are improvements to our building that can no longer be postponed. Patchwork solutions simply won't work. Council wants to support the ARC Committee, particularly in its resolve to maintain a transparent and consultative process.

It's important that every member of the parish feels free to ask questions, share ideas, provide feedback and engage in constructive criticism. It's important that they feel free to share any concerns they may have, any anxieties about the process. The object is to communicate as much information as possible to all interested parties. I know that Gay, and the members of her committee, are fully committed to this approach - not only because it's ethically sound, but also because - in the end - it's the only approach that makes sense, and that will meet with success.

Janet, you must be thinking by now that all we talked about this weekend was bricks, and mortar, and money. And sometimes it felt like that. But, I think the context is important.

Members of Council spoke about the vibrant life, and energy, of the community; of the hunger in our hearts to serve the common good; and the hunger in our hearts to experience the Spirit, and to share that experience with others.

Members spoke about capturing a vision for St John's: they spoke about what God may be calling us to do, or become; about preparing ourselves for the inrushing future; about not only sustaining our mission and ministry, but also expanding it.

To do these things - to seize the possibilities of tomorrow - we must prepare today. We must ensure that we are standing on solid ground - both financial, and physical. It is then about bricks, and mortar, and money, and it is serious business.

But it's also about faithfulness, stewardship, discipleship - and our active, ongoing and sustainable participation in the coming of the kingdom of God. That too is "serious business," and beyond doubt, the only reason for our present preoccupation with these more "worldly" matters.

Well, that's it for now, Janet. Please give my love to Freda, and to whatever collection of pets and people you may have in the house at the moment.

And please pray for us. Pray that God would give us wisdom, and discernment - confidence, good humor, and patience. Pray that God would continue to bless us - not only with tolerance, but also with deep love, and deep respect one for the other. Pray that God would give us God's own vision for our life together, and every good gift that is necessary to transform that vision to reality.

Once again, Janet, that's it for now. It's Lent 1 tomorrow. It's late. And I still have a sermon to write.

Lots of love,
Sharon.

P.S. Garth said yesterday that it's a dangerous time in the life of a parish when it is faced with questions about money and buildings. I think that he was referring to the sense of insecurity one feels, perhaps the prospect of discord or division. But I'm comforted by our readings for tomorrow.

Jesus, it seems, had his own "dangerous time," his time in the wilderness. There were wild beasts there, but also angels that ministered to him. Perhaps it was a time of deepening his relationship with God, or of strengthening his character and capacities? Perhaps he was "tested" like we are tested at school? Tested so that he might "discover what [he] knew, and what [he] was capable of doing." Tested to help him discover, or hone, his abilities - abilities to do what would be required of him in future? (Brian P. Stoffregan)

I'm really not certain. I just don't know. But I do have a strong sense that it is a precipitous moment for St John's. I think the Greek word is kairos - a decisive, or critical time. In any event, I find that I'm excited, and hopeful, and watching with expectancy to see what God may be up too.

In the meantime, of course, life goes on at St John's. And, as you know, life here is good. The key is, I think, to never turn inward - to always look out, to keep in mind the larger picture, and our principle vocation. This certainly was a recurring theme on our retreat.

I must admit that, personally, it's hard to look out these days because the view is so utterly depressing. The world, it seems, has just 8 days to decide between war and peace. And I have that sinking/sickening feeling that the decision has been made for us already. But that, Janet, is another subject for another letter, when I can find the words to express all that is welling up from within.

Pray for peace, Janet.

Pray for peace, Freda.

Let's all of us pray for peace.