Anchored in Giving Thanks

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4–7

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese, 

As I gathered with family and friends for Thanksgiving last week, I was reminded of the Apostle Paul’s exhortation: be anxious for nothing, but rather offer to God those things which naturally bring us anxiety, in prayer, with thanksgiving. Maybe easier said than done, but the spiritual discipline of daily reflecting on all the Lord has done over the past day really does set my heart right. The Thanksgiving holiday simply accents what should be our daily practice, which is a prayer life anchored in giving thanks.  

While there is much to be concerned about in our Province (you can read my most recent letter to the Diocese here), I am nonetheless encouraged by all that we have to give thanks for in the Anglican Church in North America, and in our own diocese. Adoration Orlando has grown up from a church plant into a parish, we have our church planter on the ground in Tampa, we have seen new ordained and lay leaders raised up around the Diocese, five new rectors have been called, and our youth and children’s ministries have grown. Diocesan programs like Dynamos, Camp Araminta, and Soul in the City are flourishing and even setting attendance records this year. Two churches who made the difficult decision to close have given the proceeds from selling their buildings to to encourage the growing work of church planting. New church planters have been identified and their callings discerned. God provided new diocesan staff when others were called to new ministries around the Diocese and Province, and we enjoyed an edifying time of fellowship and learning during our Synod in October.

God has abundantly provided for all our needs. Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice.  

May God richly bless each of you this through this weekend and into our new liturgical year. Know that Jody and I give great thanks for the opportunity to walk out a life of discipleship under our Lord Jesus with you throughout the coming year.