When Bishop Gutiérrez met with our vestry on November 23, during his visitation to the parish, he told the vestry that God has already chosen Good Shepherd’s next rector. He was fielding questions about the upcoming transition process after my departure (as of yet, still undetermined), and his point was that God is already ahead of us, so to speak. God is, of course, beyond time, so I interpret our bishop’s helpful comment to mean that the parish’s task is to catch up to where God is. Or put another way: we are intended to discern God’s call to us.
During our Parish Visioning Conversation last February, one of our parishioners said something that has been frequently quoted in recent months. With regard to living into our future vision as a parish, he said that we shouldn’t “mess it up.” (I am paraphrasing his words.) I have recently been thinking about how we can turn this around in a proactive spirit. As we move into ministry in 2026 as priest and parish working together, how do we “get it right”?
Getting it right means being proactive. It does not mean telling God what we want to do or thinking that we can realize a vision on our own. I see “getting it right” as doing our part to respond to God’s call. This requires prayerful listening to God, followed by active response. Remember how busy Jesus was in his own ministry and how he retired frequently and regularly to be alone in prayer. Although Advent is a season of intentional waiting, the persistent Gospel messages at Mass are about waiting with expectant urgency. We must be prepared for our Lord when he comes. Our proactivity will enable us to “get it right,” so that we catch up to what God is already doing among us. God acts first in the sense that God enables us to do what we are asked to do, but we must do something! Advent (and indeed the Christian life) is all about balancing waiting and listening with a sense of urgency towards action.
At last Sunday’s parish conversation, another parishioner made a helpful point, and it is a point that I think we all need to hear and take seriously. As we prepare for transitions and new leadership, the months ahead are the golden moment to “get it right.” And getting it right means that every single person in the parish is being called to serve in some capacity. Living more fully and deeply into God’s vision for us cannot be done by the priest or staff or a handful of leaders alone. We all must share that joyful burden. If you are not participating in some ministry, please know that God has given you gifts that Good Shepherd needs. If you are already doing something and have room to spare more time, I invite you to consider that prayerfully. Meanwhile, I am working with the vestry to build towards more sustainable, shared ministry.
Getting it right has two parts in the coming year. The first is financial. As was announced at last Sunday’s parish conversation, the decision has been made to lower our pledge goal to $265,000, which is still $30,000 away from where we currently are. I believe this goal is achievable. Stay tuned for more information on the extension of our pledge campaign, culminating in the presentation of a 2026 budget at the January 18th annual meeting, with the vestry officially approving it on January 22. Reaching this $265,000 goal is essential to supporting staffing and ministry needs that will enable us to “get it right” so that ministry continues to flourish at Good Shepherd. So, thinking proactively, if you have not yet made a pledge towards ministry in 2026, please consider doing so as soon as possible so that our vestry and finance committee can plan well for 2026 budgeting. You can pledge right now online. Thank you, in advance for your generosity, and thank you to all who have given generously so far!
The second part of getting it right involves sharing our gifts in ministry. If you are unclear about what ministries exist at Good Shepherd, I direct your attention to this document. I can also highlight certain ministries in which we have an acute need at the present moment:
laundering altar linens—This may be done at home and is perfect for someone who lives a distance from the church! This can also be done at your convenience, too.
assisting with Mass and service livestreams—In 2026, we will be relying solely on volunteer efforts for this ministry. And we need more helping hands!
sacristans guild—Members set up vessels and vestments and prepare the church for Sunday Masses. Training is provided, and members serve in teams.
pastoral care and hospitality—It would be helpful to have a committed group of parishioners to organize and provide meals (and rides) for parishioners who are recovering from surgery or illness.
As we approach 2026, you will be hearing more about other ways to serve. While Good Shepherd is growing, our rich liturgical life and numerous ministries require more help than might be imagined. Would you join me in praying during this intentional season as we seek to catch up to what God is already doing among us? How will you give of your money and time so that, in response to God’s call, we at Good Shepherd can “get it right”?
Yours in Christ,
Father Kyle