Americans are notorious for being independent people. Being independent certainly has wonderful strengths, but when it comes to the Christian faith, it can certainly have its challenges as well. A life filled with independence and privacy can be a life of isolation and loneliness.
One of the biggest points of emphasis in the mission of St. Philip’s Anglican Church is to foster relationships, not only with our beautiful New River Valley community and neighbors, but with our diocese as well. This is evident in our recent workday event with our big sister parish, All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, VA. We had ten servants of Christ from All Saints join us on Saturday, November 7 to help paint and clean up the parish grounds. We had twenty-four people (some are not seen in the photo) volunteer their time in order to work on the property of St. Philip’s. Julie McDermott coordinated this effort from the Mission Committee of All Saints, and we could not be more grateful!
Our goal is to be better connected with our diocese, and All Saints Anglican Church in Charlottesville, VA has truly provided an example of how to do this. We want to be a parish that reflects our commitment to the Anglican Province in America through greater liturgical conformity to our Anglo-Catholic heritage, our partnership with other sister parishes in various projects, and continual prayer for the various ministries and leadership of our diocese.
Our next big event will be on the weekend of December 19-20 where we will welcome our beloved Bishop Gundorf, and his lovely wife, Mary. This upcoming visit will consist of many new confirmands and members joining our parish as we rejoice in an average attendance of over thirty souls on Sunday, and twenty-four people on Wednesday nights.
It is wonderful seeing many more laborers partner together for the ministry here at St. Philip’s, and to be more involved with our wonderful diocese for the cause of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for your continued support and prayers!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Wade Miller