From the Rector
The Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams

Dear Friends,

The recent ice storm and extended power outages remind all of us about the importance of caring for one another. Many of us who instinctively regard ourselves as self-reliant found ourselves obviously dependent on others for food, for warmth, for information, for encouragement, for the restoration of power. From our seemingly meager resources, we found that others’ needs could be met, even if it was just adding the warmth of our body to a cold room. All of us weathered the storm together.

That is what social ministry is about year round. The ministries you will read about in these pages are not just programs, not just tasks to be done. They are means of caring for others, of sharing what we have, of weathering the storm together. There was no particular justice last month in who never lost power, who got it back quickly, and who did not. Some people happened to be in the right place and others were not so fortunate. Neither is there any particular justice in who of us were born into the right family, with the right genes, with access to the right education and job opportunities to ‘succeed’ in our society. While we have cooperated with what we have been given and even worked hard to overcome obstacles, the hungry, the unemployed, and the homeless might not have had the same resources and support along the way. They might have done well if they had had their “power” restored in a more timely manner.

The inconvenience we experienced for a relatively brief time – inadequate shelter, makeshift meals, lack of communication, an uncertain future, a general sense of powerlessness – is a way of life for millions of people across our earth. The causes are often beyond their control. But all of us are in this together. The resources we have – time, energy, education, finances – as strapped as they may seem, can be a significant help to others. Helping to build a home or cooking meals at a shelter or supporting an institution that cares for children continues the compassion and the sense of unity that we felt during the ice storm. Engaging in social ministry acknowledges with gratitude what we have been freely given, and it moves us beyond our isolation into involvement with other children of God.

Thanks to all in our parish who help lead us in this ministry of compassion and unity, only some of whose names can be found in this issue. I am most grateful for your initiative and dedication. And thanks to all of you who with your prayers, your dollars, and your actions, care for others in need.

Faithfully,
- Stephen