Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Second Sunday of Advent

Preparing the way to fulfill our mission

The Rev. Mark Wilkinson, Rector
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Katy, TX

Click here to watch the sermon

Prepare the way. Bring the light into the world. Guide our feet into the way of peace. Did you notice the themes running through our readings this week. Last week it was being awake. This week it is preparing the way of the Lord to come among us. In the past, in the present and in the future. That is in essence what the mission of the church is. This is how we make disciples.

Now we might as well call this John the Baptist Sunday. John always shows up either the second or third week of Advent and has been doing so since the mid 300s.

We look back at these passages and forget how hard travel was in the days of Isaiah when there were no roads. Even in the time of John the Baptist the Roman roads were a huge improvement but they were not easy to ride on or to walk on. They were made for baggage carts for the army to travel along during the rainy season. The soldiers and cavalry walked alongside them because they were so rough. I think maybe the people of Asheville might understand after the hurricane destroyed many roads in and out of small towns. We take easy transportation for granted.

Metaphorically the road for Christians today is rocky and challenging. Some say why bother, but that is not what John the Baptist was saying then nor is it what God is asking of us today. It does matter that we bring the good news to people.

One of the problems is that over the centuries the church has made it challenging for people to join. Brian McClaren wrote many years ago that people come to church looking for God but what we tend to give them is the church, the institution.  Many put barricades in the way often without realizing it. Jesus welcomed all to his table but there can be many obstacles in today’s church both theological and sometimes physical. For example right now if we had someone in a wheelchair that wanted to be a chalice minister there is no way for them to get up to the sanctuary.

The bigger problem can be those things that can get in the way of people. I think about the email I got the other day from a person asking if we were welcoming to LGBT people. He obviously has had obstacles put in his way on his path to a relationship with the divine. That is not an uncommon question for me. I’ve been asked this many times in the past 20 years. But for many churches this is a real barrier. So how do we address issues like this and other impediments? I want to turn to our mission statement and our core values.

Turn to your announcements and take a moment to read our mission and core values. Look at them as our way of making the path straight, the rough places a plain. Welcoming people into our congregation.

MISSION

St. Paul’s mission is to share the love of the Lord with everyone through meaningful worship and prayer, education for all ages, service to others, and supportive relationships within our church family and community.

CORE VALUES

WE BELIEVE THAT

Worship: St. Paul’s deepens our connection with God through a rich (liturgical) worship tradition of scripture, prayer and music.

We are clear about who we are in terms of our worship. A large number of people tell me that they were so relieved to find a church that offered music that didn’t involve screens and a praise band. I visited a church a while ago and they had a bowl of ear plugs by the entrance in case the music was too loud. We offer an alternative to that. So our music and our prayer book focus is what some people want. Others tell me they love the quiet traditional language of our 8:00 service. I’ve had people say, “You know St. Paul’s is the only option in Katy for the service we are looking for.” This is making the path straight and the way easier for those who are looking for a traditional alternative.

Fellowship:  St. Paul’s builds relationships that value, enrich and support one another.

In a world that is disconnected since Covid a place to belong, a community of faithful people is critical. This fall we started the senior saints group which gives our seniors many of whom are living alone another opportunity. We have several outside groups that use our building for gatherings that build community. This includes Boy and Girl Scouts.

Children and Families:  St. Paul’s nurtures children and youth and those who care for them in a loving relationship with God, in a safe environment.

We have made great strides in this area this year with Julia returning to our staff.  You only need to look at our 10:30 service and see the huge increase in young children that are joining us. I think one of the important pieces in this is the willingness to welcome children to our service. During Covid I ran a small children’s/family service when we began to regather to keep the distance that was recommended. As the restrictions were lifted many in the 10:30 service asked when the kids were coming back. When I tell visitors that the 10:30 service wanted the kids back because they wanted the energy and commotion for that is the sign of a lively church many parents are surprised and this can be the deciding factor. Your family is welcome. We value and welcome children and youth. Yes we always have more work to do.

Inclusivity and Belonging:  St. Paul’s welcomes people from all walks of life and stages of their faith journey.

We welcome all people who are searching for a relationship with the divine, the holy. We do this on Sunday morning but also in our various bible studies and other small groups. These are places and programs where people can work on their own theologies and understandings of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Rather than say this is what you must believe we encourage people to ask questions and struggle with the mystery that is at the heart of Christianity.

Outreach:  St. Paul’s is the hands and feet of Christ, supporting the community through service and prayer.

We show people in the greater community that we care and the church cares about them. That they are loved by God and important to God. We do this with monetary support but also by engaging with a variety of groups and organizations. Sometimes it is offering space like we do for the two elementary schools we support, the Neighborhood Garden which is now at two other churches with two other Episcopal churches getting ready to start. Katy Christian Ministries, Toastmasters, the Beacon and Lord of the Streets It is our time, talent and treasure. Offering space to community groups is so important and appreciated. We ae blessed with wonderful facilities and a campus. We are seeking to get them used by more people.

Now like any construction process, making the way for the Lord straight takes time, effort and yes treasure. Today marks the start of our Stewardship Drive. We have been working to improve our financial position as we end the year and things are getting better yet we have a ways to go. If you would like to make a special Christmas offering this year that would be greatly appreciated. If you have an IRA and are over 70 you can make a direct donation from that IRA without paying taxes on the distribution. If you have an RMD required minimum distribution you can meet some of that by donating directly to St. Paul’s.

Now we look towards next year. The goal of the vestry and finance committee is to raise sufficient funds so that we don’t have to come back in the fall. The analysis of expenses is in process right now and next week we should have more information on what we need to fulfill the mission to which we are committed.

Later this week you will get letter from the senior warden that will start off our stewardship drive. Over the next three weeks you will hear from our treasurer and from me. My letter will include your pledge card and we will gather those in on Epiphany. I hope that you will pray about what you might do to end this year and then what you will do this next year so that when like the wise men, we bring our gifts to the Christ child on Epiphany we will set ourselves on a course to prepare the way for Jesus and the kingdom to come into our world.