Going Forward Together

We have started this Interim time by building on a strong spiritual center and warm culture of hospitality and inclusion. As we grow in our willingness to discern the Holy Spirit and act accordingly, we are finding the courage to learn from the past, and skills to let go of old unhealthy patterns.     

Some – if not most – are feeling stressed, anxious, and fearful about the future. Being “church” has not been this challenging in 500 years (the historic cycle of reformations). Such transitions are anxious times, especially when the people have survived plagues (think Covid).     

We live in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous times. With God’s help and a commitment to a healthy future, we at St. Margaret’s are gradually shifting from volatility to vision, uncertainty to understanding, complexity to clarity, and ambiguity to agility.   

This process will gradually and gracefully increase our relationships with each other and with our neighbors. First, we will focus on “who” we are, “whose” we are, and “why” we are The Episcopal Church of Saint Margaret now and tomorrow.

Since first arriving, I have tried to help you understand this Interim time is more scripted and intentional than your past experiences around clergy changes. I am here to help you discern and prepare for what God is calling you to be – and do – as a church going forward. (See article: Developmental Tasks of the Interim Period). 

What happens after the Interim? Expectations have been built based on past experiences, yet times have changed enough to make old rules obsolete. The clergy shortage is a real challenge, but not an insurmountable one.  We will take a closer look at what happens after this Interim at our Annual Parish Meeting. Meanwhile, your best hope is to name and claim your gifts (Holy Currencies – See article), learn from the past, and practice what it means to be God’s living, loving, life-giving Episcopal presence in Plainview.