Faith in Action: Answering the Call

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15)

Last year, the Imagineers (the strategic planning group) led small groups to gather ideas and to envision the future of our parish. One idea that fell under the title of Worship Team was to have different “speakers” present during our Sunday services. I am thrilled to announce that on this Sunday, I will be commissioning six preachers to preach in this parish. This is an answer to prayer.

With much discernment and discussion with the individuals who approached me requesting a preaching ministry, it was decided to create a Preaching Course that would meet the Canons of the Church (Title III, Canon 4. Section 5). We have met since January discussing the topics of The Episcopal Church Canons and Diocese of East Carolina Guidelines, aspects and models for sermon creation, issues about morality and Christian ethics, understanding Church doctrine, pastoral care, and church history; and all from the perspective of preaching to the Christian Church. Additionally, on-going mentorship will be provided, as well as opportunities for peer-review of sermons to be presented.

I am pleased to announce that Bishop Skirving has licensed Michael Cobb, Stacy Collins, Jonathan Graves, Kimberly McIrney, Ethan Roeben, and Carolina Villa to serve as Preachers at Holy Cross.

What does this mean for our Sunday worship? A different preacher will deliver a sermon each month initially and then more frequently as time goes by.

Please congratulate these individuals for their devotion, diligence, and for answering God’s call to a preaching ministry.

Blessings,

Rev. Anne