<![CDATA[Church of the Holy Spirit

After so many years of service, why this shift in focus for Good Friday?
At our Annual Meeting, we discussed and prioritized specific areas of expanding ministry for the parish. Individuals indicated what was significant to them. This discussion concluded that we desire to Feed the Hungry, Cloth the Naked, and Welcome the Stranger.

The Day of Service committee used this information to shape how God guides us. We have a huge heart for service and CHS is still being called to action, and ministry to the community at large. This year we find ourselves pausing to reflect on: How we turn volunteering in the community toward the greater mission of sharing the Gospel in thought word and deed.

CHS is a well established, caring congregation. Efforts have have been in place for many years, including ministries that align with the stated passions of our parish. We feed through donations to Open Cupboard Food Pantry. We clothe and welcome through the Seamen’s Church Institute. We support one another through “We Care”.

On Good Friday, we will be asked to reflect on how this work that we do is or becomes ministry
On April 3, we will take time to reflect upon our role as Baptized Christians and members of CHS who are called to serve by considering how our faith is enacted now— and what it could look like in the future? What goals we set will empower the ministry of faith, and how we understand ministry faith and expand upon the yearly activities of the Day of Service.

How do we shift from one-off volunteering to sustained ministry?
On Good Friday, Jesus disciples come together to have conversations and cultivate loving relationships with God and one another remembering that we are each other’s teachers and companions in faith.

Following the Good Friday projects, all are invited to the noon liturgy and then lunch. During the meal, we will share about volunteering and ministry.

What ministry are you drawn to? Is your ministry choice(s) rooted in an experience or a person or event? Given the identified priorities of the congregation, are there opportunities to serve that you would like to see the church respond to?

Attendance on Good Friday is not possible for everyone**. It is no small thing to come together. God is profoundly shifting our community toward loving care—and compassion for each other that will sustain us for the work ahead, that will be greater than we can yet imagine.