Dear Friends,

When Bishop David Bena visited St. Andrew's to welcome our parish into the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), we heard from him about three aspects of the CANA vision for mission and ministry in North America. As we begin a new fall season, it's good to be reminded of Bp. Bena's inspiring message.

The first aspect of CANA 's vision is radical inclusion. As Bp. Bena said to us, the Church is a "come as you are party." Everyone is welcome and no one is excluded. The Church is called by Jesus Christ to reach out to all people everywhere and the People of God that the Bible envisions is made up of those from every language, tribe, people and nation.

The second part of the CANA vision is profound transformation. Once we come to Jesus Christ in faith, God works in us to make us more like Jesus. As Bp. Bena said, "the Church is a come as you are party, but it's not a stay as you are party." The call of God for all His children is profound transformation as God's Spirit changes us from the inside out. This transformation happens as we allow God to make us more like His Son.

The third element of the CANA vision is inspired service. The same Holy Spirit that transforms us also sends us out into the world in service for others. Filled with the Spirit of God we go out to serve God and Christ through evangelism and acts of mercy.

What a powerful vision! It is biblical, memorable and one that encapsulates so much of the Christian faith and life. It is a vision that I hope that we will embrace as a parish. As we ease into the fall, let's pray that God will be working in each of us to live into this vision for the Church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What an exciting time to be part of God's work at St. Andrew's!

Yours in Christ,

The Rev. Tony Seel
Rector