eGraceNotes from Grace Church February 25, 2010

In his Annual Report for 2009, Senior Warden David Mukasa presented an inspiring picture of Grace Church. His report is repeated here in its entirety. (You can read meeting minutes and all reports submitted at the Annual Meeting here.)

The year 2009 has been both challenging and trying in many aspects for Grace church. We have weathered the loss of a vicar, organist, parish administrator and some members. We have suffered such losses that not many congregations of our size would most likely survive. But the Lord continues to work among us, taking us to new levels of understanding of his love and ministry.

The uniqueness of our congregation separates us from many churches, big and small. I have witnessed our parish office function almost flawlessly with volunteers. There is a genuine spirit of togetherness, with failure not being an option. This makes me realize how much God loves us and how willing he is not to only bless us but to work with and amongst us; indeed we are a blessed bunch. We continue to flourish in the various ministries we are involved in. We're blessed with selfless individuals who are willing to take on different responsibilities/ministries and in the end make us all shine and proud as a congregation.

Make no mistake about it; we're still struggling to make ends meet. Our treasurer will report on our financial status, it is still worrisome. The decline in membership does not help any, but we have to stay optimistic and work hard collectively on recruiting new members. We're hopeful this year's heating bill will be better than in years past. Our building is still our biggest liability but yet our best and biggest asset.

Our struggle continues with the sure knowledge that we cannot allow ourselves to fail. This is my eleventh year in this church and during all those years past, it has been a struggle. We have shared one challenge after another, mainly financial, but I have continuously witnessed this congregation triumph at every turn. I believe with trust, faith and confidence in the Lord and each other, we will survive the turbulent times as has been in the past. Our faith will keep us moving, driving us forward.

To move forward we have to embrace change, as College Hill and the rest of the world change so must we. Change might not be the most pleasant, but it's inevitable. As we transform we will realize our potential to be better, capable of doing much more for the Lord. I think in that growth will start to emerge. We need to continue to pray for direction in those things that God calls us to do.

We thank the diocese for its continued support for our ministry. I thank the membership without whom we wouldn't be here today. I thank all the volunteers who have made it possible for the church office to function. I thank all who are involved in the different ministries especially the healing service. I thank all who have dedicated there time, sweat and finances to beautify our building. I thank all the committees, especially the heads, for their dedication to do the Lord's work. I thank Mission Council for their dedication; but most of all I thank God who has continually blessed us and who has allowed us to minister in and be a part of the College Hill area.

Rest in peace for the members called to join our Lord in this past year; you are greatly missed by all.

Our struggle continues and our resolve strengthens.

At the Annual Meeting, Senior Warden Mukasa recognized the following parishioners for their service and offered special thanks:

Carol Lyon, for agreeing to fill the unexpired term of Junior Warden a year ago;
Roger Perna, for his service as Treasurer and whatever else is ever needed;
Ken Lyon, for his continuing work on our building--especially for brightening the sanctuary;
Wanda Miller, for accepting the nomination as Junior Warden;
Hawley Todd, for continuing the Healing Service.

David also expressed his appreciation for all we accomplish at Grace, despite our size. He thanked the "new" Mission Council for its commitment and noted that as Senior Warden, he depends upon the congregation for advice and guidance.