Ever since Easter St. Augustine's has remained a very busy place!

The Pentecost Day celebration was a wonderful occasion with a Children's Mass and baptism followed by the parish BBQ and "bounce house" for the kids. We joined in the joy of our seminarian, Michael Bell, being ordained at St. John's Cathedral and welcomed him in his new status as Deacon in our liturgies the following day. The healing prayer group was blessed to have a special workshop led by Beth Jahncke, of Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry. Corazon visited us with a presentation of their important work in providing housing to the very poor in Mexico and gave St. Augustine's a plaque honoring our many years of support to this worthy outreach ministry. Newcomer orientation welcomed 14 new persons (including children) to the parish with an informational meeting and light lunch. The children's Sunday School graduation performance was a great delight and we are blessed by having so many families and children. On a more practical note, the recent tenting of the church was an immense project to rid our buildings of a long-standing termite problem and we are happy to have that completed!

There is no doubt that the life of St. Augustine's witnesses to an active and vital faith community. We recognize that during this important time of transition for our parish we continue to meet the needs of the community and keep ourselves grounded in prayer and ministry. Especially in the 21st century we must realize that the Church is an evolving, dynamic, living entity growing into the fullness God will have us be. My father used to quote the late Bishop of California, James Pike, who said almost 50 years ago, "The Church isn't what it used to be and it never was!" So, it is fair to say that we are always in transition and should use this period in the life of St. Augustine's to honor our Christian identity as a holy people on pilgrimage, ever moving forward, ever growing and evolving. What an exciting identity to embrace! Therefore, it becomes absolutely vital that the parish have a clear, unique, and specific vision of what it is and what it wants to become, in order to achieve the best possible match for a new rector who will offer leadership to cast that vision. Every member of St. Augustine's has the opportunity to offer input to the process and is encouraged to do so.

It is my joy to be of service to you during this very exciting time in the long history of this wonderful parish.

Faithfully,

Fr. Mark Stuart
Interim Rector

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