I was speaking with a friend recently who is getting set to retire. When I asked this person what they were going to miss most, they responded, “Well, I’ll tell you what I won’t miss: meetings! If I never have to attend another meeting again, it will be too soon!!” I think most of us have shared this feeling at one time or another. Even with the conveniences of gathering via Zoom, it’s easy to think of meetings—any meetings!—as events to be endured.
You may or may not be nodding your head as you read this. Either way, I encourage everyone who loves and cares about Holy Apostles (which is to say all of us) to attend our Annual Parish Meeting this Sunday. Why? Some reasons are obvious: national and diocesan church canons require a formal, open meeting of the parish once per year. Important information will be shared about our finances, our capital improvements, our committee work. We will announce the election of a Warden, Vestry members and delegates to Diocesan Convention. We will look back on another remarkable year of worship and ministry at CHA.
Less obvious but still important: everyone who is present will hear the same information at the same time, and those in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions and hear the questions of fellow parishioners. Annual Meetings give us an opportunity to gather with people we might not have seen recently. We hear from staff members who have essential roles in our common life. We reflect on possibilities for the future, together.
Contents of the agenda this Sunday will guide us all in our prayers for Holy Apostles throughout the year. My Rector’s Address will be offered during the 11 am worship service, after which we will break as lunch is served and regather shortly thereafter for the meeting. I look forward to having you join us!
Blessings,
