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Dear friends, I read a very inspiring story this morning about the Washington Football Team’s head coach, Ron Rivera, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after accepting the job and beginning the task of turning around a once proud but now moribund franchise. The article [found here] explains how Coach Rivera has endured a very painful and challenging treatment of chemo and proton therapy while never missing a game. His team has embodied his fighting spirit and dedication to the sport by playing well enough to beat the Dallas Cowboys and previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers, all while rebuilding with new players and coaches. His story reminded me of one of our church planters, Fr. Morgan Reed, who is also enduring a very challenging year. In spite of being unable to meet with people in person to cast vision and recruit ministry partners to help finance the new church, the Franconia-Springfield Mission is off to a great start. Fr. Morgan began work on the mission in March this year just as the pandemic was taking off. His willingness and ability to pivot in the midst of very challenging circumstances have been nothing short of amazing. As one who can feel digitally challenged at times, it’s been wonderful to see how he has made the most of the technology available, meeting with folks via Zoom, doing weekly discipleship videos over YouTube, and arranging occasional outdoor gatherings for Meet-n-Greets and now Eucharists, complete with face coverings and social distancing. In the face of incredible adversity, this new community is growing and gaining momentum, now numbering over 30 adults with almost as many children. Christmas Eve services are being planned, Alpha is scheduled to begin virtually in January, and monthly Eucharists will transition to weekly gatherings in late spring – all leading to an official church launch in September. All this for a new church plant that began its life during the Covid-19 pandemic. And, thanks to numerous ministry partners like yourselves, the mission is well ahead of their financial plan and will begin the new year with a healthy bank balance. Please take a few minutes to hear more about what God is doing in this ministry in a recent interview with Fr. Morgan here. I want to thank all of you who have joined us in praying, partnering financially, and helping to plant our new churches. In addition to the video about the Franconia-Springfield Mission mentioned above, I also shared several other videos during our virtual Synod a few weeks ago. I especially recommend hearing my annual report to Synod, in case you missed it, where I share the larger vision God has given to us. It’s a great reminder of what we’re attempting to do, why, and how. You’ll be inspired by the grit and determination of our church planters, none of whom are phased by carrying out their mission during a once-in-a century pandemic. God is on the move in our diocese and you are a big part of his plans. As 2020 comes to a close, please accept our deepest thanks and continue to pray for all of our new churches. To receive our semi-monthly intercessory prayer updates, please send a quick note to the Rev. Tim Howe and he’ll add you to our prayer team. And, if you’re not already doing so, please consider joining the growing number of churches and individuals in our diocese who are providing the much needed financial muscle by going to our diocesan website, and clicking on “Donate.” Your regular giving to the Vision for 50 Fund is making a difference in reaching the lost, lonely, and hurting who have yet to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you! Gratefully, The Rev. Dr. Tom Herrick
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