From this past Sunday's Chronicle

Rector’s Rambling - 5/20/07

Welcome to all our guests and friends who are going with us to the Tiger Baseball Game. What a difference success makes! In years past we sold 100 to 125 fewer tickets to the game on our yearly outing over to the park. But the recent winning ways of the team, combined with an opponent that makes for a rematch of last year’s World Series, adds up to an exciting gathering here at St. John’s before and during the game! We are glad you are here to join us in the excitement.
Although “success” seems like too worldly of a term, we also give thanks to God for the blessings, ‘successess’, here at St. John’s – which are all by God’s Grace and all to His Glory!
Since 2001 much ‘success’ has been given us. Sunday attendance and membership is up considerably. The building and grounds have been, and are being, restored and repaired after a period of neglect, for continued ministry in downtown Detroit. The music program has blossomed through the leadership of Dr. Lewis and the addition of the Edwards Organ Scholar. New people are coming to Christ through personal relationships, the Alpha Course, and other evangelism efforts. Opportunities for outreach ministry abound with our work with and for Gleaners Community Food Bank, Operation Quiet Comfort (support for injured troops), Alternatives for Girls, One Night Initiative (temporary homeless shelter) and others. Add to that the various Devotional Guilds and Societies within the parish (Altar Guild, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Daughters of the King, Episcopal Church Women, Tuesday Morning Men’s Fellowship, Guild of All Souls, Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, Franciscan Third Order of the Divine Compassion and Society of the Holy Cross to name a few) which provide for us opportunities for greater holiness and fellowship.
If you are not a member or regular worshipper at St. John’s, we invite (is implore too strong of a word?) you to make St. John’s the place where you fulfill your weekly obligation to keep holy the Sabbath day (4th Commandment). Here at St. John’s, it is not just an obligation, but a Joy with Thanksgiving for the ‘success’ he has and is showering upon us. Come share in these blessings!