Skidding slightly

         How did the vote go?  St. James-Santee voted to affiliate with The Episcopal Church in South Carolina (TEC), which is presently led by The Rt. Rev. Charles G. vonRosenberg.  To say that this has been a difficult time would be an understatement.   St. James has never been a particularly like-minded congregation when it comes to politics (Church or otherwise), so, there are members who feel very relieved about the decision and others who are pretty blue.  It is our prayer that the love we have for one another and the Lord Jesus will keep us bound together.  Right now things feel a little shaky - somewhat like a car which has lost some traction and is threatening to skid out of control.   God willing, we will be able to turn the wheel in the direction of the skid and regain our forward momentum.   We pray that the Holy Spirit will bind us together and refresh us in the coming season so that we might continue the work of the Gospel in this place. Finally, though, our confidence and hope for the future rests on God's promises.  One promise that has been especially sustaining these past few weeks is this - from Paul's letter to the Philippians - "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil. 1.6).    May you and yours know God's mercy and love anew during this Holy Week.