From the Rector…
“Go Ahead to Galilee” was the theme of this year’s diocesan convention. While we didn’t actually go to Galilee, we did gather by a lake in Decatur, where we spent three days worshipping, singing, praying, listening, and conducting the business of the Diocese of Alabama. Part of that business included Bishop G’s calling for the election of the thirteenth bishop of Alabama. The Standing Committee is already hard at work selecting a search committee and has established a timeline for the process. Once Bishop G retires in June, the Standing Committee will serve as the ecclesial authority of the diocese until the next bishop is consecrated. Bishop G will continue to serve as assisting bishop during that time.
The convention also featured inspiring speakers, including Jim Davis and Michael Graham, who co-authored The Great Dechurching. The book examines who is leaving church, why they are leaving, and what it might take to bring them back. While they acknowledge the unprecedented numbers of people leaving church, they shared hopeful news. The number one reason people leave is due to moving to a new location. Of those who have moved, many are open to returning to church—they just need an invitation. The key takeaway is simple: invite the new family who just moved in down the block, the new co-worker, or anyone you meet to come to church. It doesn’t need to be pushy—a simple invitation and your presence can make all the difference. Of course, if they do show up, the rest of us need to do our part by engaging them in conversation and fostering connections that can lead to meaningful relationships within the church and beyond.
People are hungry for connection. The pandemic greatly contributed to our disconnection, but as Christians, it is our calling and responsibility to bring people together in healthy and holy relationships. When we see someone new at church, we should be ready to introduce ourselves and find ways to connect. We’re not here to sell Jesus to anyone; rather we’re here to extend the hand of fellowship and root ourselves in a shared human experience with one another. By growing our relationships beyond those that we currently have, we help grow God’s presence in this world. There’s an old saying, “Make a friend, be a friend, and bring a friend to Christ.” This is not about conversion—it’s about preaching the gospel through our actions and love.
This year’s theme of our convention is directly tied to our need for deeper relationships. Jesus tells his disciples, “Go to Galilee; there they will see me.” (Matthew 28:10) After his resurrection, Jesus appears to his followers at the tomb, in the upper room, on the road to Emmaus, and by the sea—each time an unexpected encounter with Jesus. But in Matthew, Jesus is clear about where he wants the disciples to meet him. They go to the mountain in Galilee, where he gives them the Great Commissioning. He could have given this commission anywhere, why Galilee?
I wonder if Jesus sent the disciples to Galilee to help them release all the distractions of the past few days—the arrest, the trial, and even the crucifixion—and rediscover their purpose and life with him. They had been in Jerusalem, a bustling city full of distractions—streets and shops, consumerism and homelessness—where it was easy to lose focus. Going to Galilee allowed them to escape the distractions of the world and reconnect with nature and their roots. For many, Galilee was home, a place of comfort and a reminder of what truly mattered. It was where they first encountered Jesus and were called to be his disciples. In Galilee, Jesus taught, preached, healed, and cast out demons. It was there that he fed people, walked on water, and turned water into wine. Jesus told them to go to Galilee to remind them that true ministry is about how we treat one another.
Go to Galilee every Sunday, and invite anyone you can to come with you.
Light and Life,
Candice+