Jubilee Appeal -
a message from the Bishop
BEING ROOTED IN CHRIST
St Paul mentions that everything we do should be “rooted in Christ”[1]. Focusing on Christ is the theme and the motivation for all action in our parishes for the next few years: to be rooted in Christ, to act as Christ would, gifting what we can, just as Christ himself did – and he did even more than might have been expected. Paul says that being rooted in Christ is the best way to raise funds. He says to the people of Corinth: “For you know the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich”[2]. Motivation comes by following the example of Christ.
At the present time circumstances are tight, I know. Yet, circumstances can be favourable to God’s plan. What might seem to be unfortunate in our plans can be the best possible element in God’s plans. St Paul reassured the people of Philippi by telling them: “There is no need to worry; for if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.”[3] Fund-raising is additional to what you already give in the Offertory Collection each Sunday and separate from it. Giving is a concrete expression of what it means to be rooted in Christ Jesus. In that spirit, I humbly ask you to contribute what you can, among many claims on your charity.
If everyone is able to pull together, this Jubilee Appeal should unite parishes throughout the diocese in a common purpose. There will emerge a sense of acting even more as the true community of Christ’s Church, as we seek the common good of all. Each individual parish will draw much satisfaction from what it has achieved, especially the spiritual benefits of working together for the Lord – and all might be surprised by the results!
Thank you for your efforts, which I know will be as generous as always.
+Tom
Bishop of Menevia