From the Rector - March 2022

When I arrived at Church of the Servant in the fall of 2017, this worshipping community was approaching its 45th anniversary. To mark that occasion and knowing that ministry only survives if it’s a shared endeavor, on All Saints Sunday I invited folks to affirm their “I’m in!” by placing their handprint on my office wall. I am forever grateful to Carol Milam and Courtney Gee for doing the logistical legwork for this vision to come to life and to the congregation for jumping in whole-heartedly!

In the years since, more hands have been added, and all these hands represent our shared ministry. These hands also provide a wave of welcome when I come to my office, they lift me up in challenging times, they’re high-fives of accomplishment, a pat on the back for encouragement, and even a gentle shove when I get stuck along the way.

Your hands, both symbolically and literally, have been particularly meaningful over the past two years as we’ve navigated, and continue to navigate, ministry during a global pandemic, ministry during heightened socio-political divisions, and ministry during persistent racial inequities in our country and in our community. Our collective I’m in! is as vital as ever as we continue to listen to what God is calling us to do and be in light of these challenges.

What you’ll see in the stories that follow is fifty years of COS’s “I’m in!” spirit. I’m in! for listening to God and to one another. I’m in! for welcoming the stranger and the seeker. I’m in! for celebrating through worship and fellowship. I’m in! as servants both within and beyond our walls.

As we approach our 50th anniversary, we’ll add more hands to the wall and more hands to share God’s work in the world. To that, I simply say AMEN!