St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

Fr. Jon Griffin — Proper 10A — June 5, 2023

[RCL] Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Today, let’s spend this time to consider the near future of St. John the Baptist Church. We should always remind ourselves that the church is the people that have joined together for a common purpose in this building and in this town. Carolyn provided me with a copy of the history of St. John’s that I have read. The history is dated October 3, 1963. Almost sixty years have come
and gone since it was written.

An Episcopal presence in Mt Carmel has been present, off and on, beginning in the fall of 1842. You – all of you – are the heirs of this presence – this ministry. As heirs, you have been entrusted to continue this ministry. Some of you have been a part of the history since 1963. However, there is history yet to be written. What will comprise that history? Initially, that unwritten history begins with each one of you individually and collectively.

Several years have passed since Fr. Brent retired. The pandemic disrupted the normal flow of calling a new rector. That task is waiting to be completed and time is always of the essence in this important endeavor. Completing the parish profile and posting the opening begins the process. I urge all of you to have a voice in the completed profile. Input from you the parishioners ensures the profile is reflective of the whole not just a part. Though a committee may be in charge of the process and completion of the
final profile, its members need your assistance.

Above all, invoke the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in all your deliberations. Invite him into your hearts and minds believing that he will guide your every step. Pray each day for his leadership among you. Be honest in evaluating your strengths and weaknesses. Also, the qualities you seek in a rector. Stress not only what is important but also your expectations. There are those who on reading your profile will find it speaks to them and will follow through with conveying their interest to the diocese
and to you.

I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on. Be the church in this community. Play to your strengths while building up your weaknesses. When the Apostle Paul arrived in a place, he sought out individuals who were already persons of prayer and faith. He built the local churches he founded on this foundation. These persons, on becoming Christians, spread their faith through personal contact. God added daily to their numbers. This is Christianity 101. Jesus repeatedly told his followers to not hide their light but to let it shine. The purpose being that light will overcome the darkness.

I do not need to remind you that there is enough darkness in the world. Light combats the darkness, Let there be light, I want to commend all of you for your faithfulness and steadfastness. Today’s parable of the sower reminds us that we are to continue sowing the seed. Some of the seed will not germinate, Some will sprout in rocky soil then perish in the noonday heat. Some will sprout but be choked out by weeds. However, some seed will fall on fertile soil, put down deep roots and produce a bumper crop. We are the sower. God will give the growth.

Continue to write the history of St. John the Baptist. Continue being the church in this place.

Amen.