INVITATION

Our relationship with Jesus is so intense, we try to live our lives the way he would live them, if he were here in this time and place. Just like any relationship, a relationship with Jesus Christ means giving up some time and energy to being with him - communicating and communing with him. But I’m preaching to the choir, or I should say to the faithful followers in the Diocese of Alabama. This issue of The Alabama Episcopalian features stories of committed and dedicated people in our parishes who are following Jesus as Lord and King of all. From walking the annual Stations of the Cross in sends his disciples to him. Andrew believes, and introduces Peter to Jesus. Later Philip brings Nathanael to Jesus. And then the Samaritan woman brings her whole town to Jesus. downtown Birmingham to raising money for a parish destroyed by a tornado in Mississippi, to cleaning and repairing shoes for the homeless, the service and faithful prayers of all of you make our world on earth a better place.

Popular opinion says the Church is disappearing, shrinking, obsolete. As I look around at our churches and hear their stories of grace, I do not believe the Church is disappearing or obsolete. But I do believe the Church is changing, and as we change, we’ll become better equipped to carry the message of Jesus to the next generation. The stories written by our young people in this issue are examples of that.

I am known for saying “I hope I see you at church!” That’s because I think that when we can get there, however often that is, each time counts enormously. Each time we go to church we place ourselves in the path of grace, and when we least expect it, we’ll receive exactly what we need to heal or change or grow or find peace and hope. I know because I’ve seen it so many times.

Our Lord’s prayer says, “…thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven.” Our prayers bring a little bit of heaven to earth in each moment. Our prayers offered each day and our lives lived in service is our effort to do what Jesus asked of his disciples when he said, “…remain with me, abide,” meaning literally to “pitch your tent” and move into relationship with him. As the disciples do that, their community grows.

Scripture tells us disciples spend time with Jesus and believe in him. Then they tell other people about the wonder and hope and joy of knowing Jesus. John the Baptist believes Jesus is the Son of God and he

At almost every parish I visit, someone will ask me, “Bishop how can we help our parish grow?” Maybe I can answer that question with another question. “In what moment in your life did you feel truly loved?” As you consider that, invite someone to your church, a prayer gathering, or an outreach event. Inviting someone to church is the most successful way to grow a parish, and it happens one person at a time.

Simply extend the invitation by saying, “Come and See”, and let’s see what happens next. I believe the person you invite may hear Jesus saying ‘I love you.’ Your invitation can open the door to them knowing they are loved eternally. It all starts with “Come and See”. The wonderful gift of asking someone may also help us remember that we are also loved.

As always, I am honored to be your bishop and I hope I see you soon,

Blessings,