From the Rector

Dear Friends,

Last month we focused in Cross Roads on the important contributions of lay volunteers. In this issue, we spotlight and appreciate our lay staff. I feel quite blessed to have such a strong lay staff at the Chapel of the Cross. Both in quantity and quality, it is safe to say that the people highlighted in these pages are the most fruitful resource as a lay staff we have ever had in the parish's 162 year history! I hope you will read about each one. They each bring significant skills, experience, and dedication to bear on the ministry of the Chapel of the Cross. I am extremely grateful that the commitment and financial stewardship of the parish makes their leadership and contribution possible, allowing so many parishioners opportunities to participate in our multi-faceted ministries.

It has not been easy for us to get to this healthy and fruitful position. For years, many on the vestry and on various program committees have hoped for and worked for a full time Christian education director, for example, a full time organist/choirmaster, a facilities manager instead of a sexton, a parish administrator instead of an office manager. All of these important steps have been made possible by the growing financial stewardship of you the parishioners. In 1994, for example, the budget of $633,086 was based on pledges of $524,400. This year's budget of $1,216,352 relies on pledges of $926,250. That is a decade's growth of 92% in budget and 77% in annual giving (the budget difference being made up by growing proceeds from modest endowments and some special gifts). The vitality of that growth is something for which we can all be grateful to God.

But we cannot be complacent that we have now arrived where we ought to be. God is not finished with us yet! Despite our very positive growth, as evidenced by the numbers, our annual giving increases have not kept pace with our budget requirements. As the world and our parish and community needs grow more complex, so must the resources with which we can respond. That will certainly be true for 2005. In addition to supporting our parish programs, maintaining our facilities, and increasing our outreach, the vestry and I have set next year's goal, also envisioned for years, of supporting a fourth full time clergy position. David Frazelle will join us in December. A graduate from the University of the South in 1997 and a recent graduate of Virginia Seminary, David will have special responsibilities for youth and young adults, besides his full participation and leadership in the liturgical, educational, and pastoral ministry of the parish. That will have minimal impact on this year's budget, but it will be a major increase for 2005. While we are not yet to the time for the fall annual giving campaign, I want us all to be fully aware of the challenge and opportunity that lies ahead.

While the staff members do not comprise the ministry of this parish, they do lead us all in claiming the work God has given us to do. I hope these pages will more fully inform you of how that is being done and stir your imagination of what could yet be done!

- Stephen