An article from the Cathedral Times
by the Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler,
Dean of the Cathedral of
St. Philip
Sunday, December 11, 2011, was a beautiful day in the
life of the Cathedral of St. Philip; and I thank each of you for your
offerings!
The newest member of our clergy staff, The
Reverend Wallace Marsh, offered his first sermon at the Cathedral. He
answered the same question that was once asked of John the Baptist, "Who
are you?" Wallace is from a place near Cumberland Caverns, in
Tennessee; but we are proud that he is now "from" the Cathedral of St.
Philip!
At our Annual Parish Meeting, I was
especially proud of the offerings of two fine members of this
congregation. Geoff DeLong has served the Cathedral faithfully for three
years as Treasurer, and I am sorry to see him leave that post. But,
like all outgoing Chapter members, he will not leave his ministries! In
fact, he and all his family have become integral parts of our parish
life. Geoff offered his last Treasurer's report with skill and good
will.
During his last report as our outgoing Senior
Warden, Ward Bondurant gave us a glimpse of his video production skill!
He had compiled a slide and music presentation that showed critical
behind-the-scenes angles of the Cathedral of St. Philip "” plus some
in-front-of-the-scenes shots! It was marvelous, another sign of Ward's
dedication and careful attention to this parish.
Now,
accepting my invitations, Bryan Kibler will become next year's Senior
Warden, and John McCollum will be next year's Treasurer. I thank each of
them for offering themselves to God and to service in the Cathedral of
St. Philip.
Surely the finest offerings of this past
Sunday occurred during the Ingathering of Pledges! At all our services,
parishioners and friends actually formed a procession at the Offertory,
and brought forward their completed pledges of financial commitment for
the 2012 year at the Cathedral. What beautiful processions they were!
Indeed, it was our Altar Call. That physical action, walking forward
with our pledges, was a sign of commitment "” to God and to God's
ministry through the Cathedral of St. Philip. (As David Rocchio, our
Director of Stewardship, will remind you; If you have not yet returned
your pledge card for 2012 ... well, you know what to
do!)
Thanks, so much thanks, to each of you, for your
beautiful offerings. Each of us, and each of you, has something to
offer God at the Cathedral altar. You have your own gifts and
commitments and resources, and you offer them generously. Your offerings
are what generate ministry in this beautiful
congregation.
Finally, speaking of a beautiful
congregation, please see the special offering of Ann Fowler, our
Director of Communications, who has compiled our yearly reports in a
splendid booklet. Each year, that Annual Report becomes an historical
record of our life and ministry. Find copies throughout the church and
read them. Then, give thanks. God has blessed the Cathedral of St.
Philip, and the world needs our ministry.
The Very Reverend Sam Candler