St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
Laytonsville, Maryland

Home
How to Find Us
Parish Activities
Activity Reports
Service Schedule
Outreach Programs
Stewardship
Christian Education
The Vestry
Our Rector
Church History
Parish Photos
Current Newsletter
Newsletter Archive
St. Bart's Calendar

I was first introduced to this parish two years ago at the annual meeting. You graciously welcomed me at that time as the Vestry had just elected me Rector. Initially we agreed that after two years we would see how things were working. Well I am here today to say that I think things are working very well. And I would like to stay working with you as long I can.I have been ordained to the priesthood 31 years as of January 15th and I have many good years left. My health is good, my energy is overflowing and you are a faithful growing community. We have made a good beginning over this year and a half and I think great things are ahead for us.

Many of you, maybe as many as half of you, were not here two years ago. I think we owe a debt of gratitude to those who were here and did such a wonderful job of welcoming us. And now we, the relative newcomers, must do an equally good job, along with those who welcomed us, to wholeheartedly welcome those who will soon be among us. God has called each of us to St. Bartholomew's to nurture our faith and to spread the gospel to this community. In all that we do we need to be servants of God in this place to those who need us near and far. We have just begun but it is marvelous in God's eyes.

This next year is crucial for us. Our recent growth has shown us what we need to do in order to continue to be a vibrant parish. First, we need to nurture our faith with an effective education program for all ages. Our Sunday School under Bill and Anne Fitts has really been the growth point and it will continue to be because Bill and Anne have gotten many new people to join the loyal core of teachers to expand that teaching ministry. In fact we have grown so much that we need more space for the Sunday School. Adult education has also blossomed with the two regular Bible studies and now a Sunday morning inquirer's class. Almost 50 adults now regularly are learning more about the church and deepening their faith.

The second area of emphasis needs to be social outreach, helping others in need both near and far. Helping others is the fruit, the product of the Holy Spirit. We have been given so much material wealth, and as Christians we must share it with others. We have made a good beginning this year with our local and international outreach, but there is still much to do. The orphanage in Kenya is almost built. Now we need to support its ministry with the AIDS orphans. We are actively working with needy families in our area, but now we need to get even more involved. Whether we can do more or not will be the test of our commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Third, in order to continue deepening our faith and reaching out to others, we need to be kind and loving to each other. We need to be sensitive to the needs of others in this parish and be available to support each other in need. We need to actually be a loving community, a community in which each person is more interested in the welfare of others than in themselves. As we say at each Holy Communion service, "Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself."

We have been given such resources here. Such a beautiful church, such a long and fruitful ministry in this place by so many families over the years. Last year we had some very difficult losses. Sam Riggs was tragically killed in an accident and Joyce Hatter was taken from us by disease. They contributed so much to this church and their loses are profound for many of us. Their legacy of service to the church must be picked up by others. I am pleased to say that there are many who have taken up that challenge. If we are to grow into the full stature that God is calling us to, many more are needed.

I am very excited to be here with you in this ministry, Margaret, although away in Africa at this time is very excited to have a welcoming place to share her gifts of ministry which are very great. We are blessed with a wonderful staff. Penny Jansen offers her special gift of music and her enthusiasm has spilled over to her daughter Laura, also a gifted musician, who together are developing a whole new generation of musicians in this parish. I can not say enough about Judith Schneider and her outstanding job as Administrative Assistant. In just 3 hours a day she does a marvelous job, not only producing finished products like this annual report but also as the communication hub of the parish making sure all of us, especially me, know what is going on. She is a treasure to this parish. I also want to publicly thank Morris Carter, who keeps the buildings of the parish clean. Not many of you see him but his work is essential. As the meeting goes on we will have the opportunity to thank many more of you for your ministries.

2003 will be a challenge for us. Another successful increase in stewardship will move us close to self-sufficiency, but we cannot rest on our past. We must move forward. We need to make a difference in this community, we need to bring other families and individuals to this church so they can benefit from this spirit filled community and we need to pray constantly that God will show us the way. We are so blessed and God is calling us to greater and greater ministry. Thanks be to God.

May God bless you and your families in your ministry.

Peace and love in Christ,

David