Servants of God and the People of God

Now that's a lofty title. But that is precisely what members of your Church Council are called to be. And, I am delighted to say, that I personally have in general found our Council members and Church wardens to be remarkably committed and diligent servants of God and servants of the people of God here in the Anglican Church in the East Netherlands.The job of serving God in this way, as a lay reader in the church community, responsible for making decisions that shape the life and structure of our Christian fellowship, is a weighty one. People who serve on Council share, with me, pastoral oversight for our church. Trust me, I find my own work an intimidating responsibility sometimes. So we should all sympathize with our Council members and wardens, too. But as the Lord said, ' My yoke is easy and my burden is light' (Matthew 11:29). This work is, mostly, a joy.Yes, being on Council involves meetings - but only on average 8 or so a year. (Wardens expect to have a few more, to be sure!) But more importantly perhaps, being on Council involves setting an example by being faithful in worship Promoting the mission of the Church Listening to and representing the congregation Considering and discussing matters of interest to the Church Administering the financial affairs of the Chaplaincy Caring for and maintaining the church ‘fabric’ (buildings, and their contents, where relevant) Connecting our own chaplaincy with the larger work of the whole Church of England and our ecumenical partners.As you can see, there is great responsibility in this high calling. Not everyone may feel they can live up to it.
But I can say from my experience here that many of your Council members have lived up to it magnificently. I draw inspiration from their energy and creativity and professionalism, and I am proud to serve God and God’s people with them.I hope that many of our current Council members will stand again for Council. Sadly, many good Council members have come to the end their legal term limits. But I also look forward to working with those who feel called, for the first time, to serve God in this particular way. The church benefits immensely from new perspectives and the gifts that each new member brings, and the Council too, draws strength from fresh insights from its new members.So why not prayerfully consider whether you might want to serve God and His people on the Council? It is an honour to stand for Council, and it is also an honour to be elected to serve. If you do not feel called to serve on Council, then please do prayerfully consider who should serve. And do lend your support to whoever is chosen by the AGM, by praying for them, encouraging them, and sharing your concerns with them, that our Chaplaincy may be blessed and directed along the path that God desires

 

Yours in Christ,

Sam Van Leer