Pastor’s Corner “Vestry Retreat”

This past weekend your Vestry gathered for an extended time of fellowship, prayer, learning, and discernment. We had four goals for the weekend: 1. Grow in unity. 2. Understand how God has spiritually equipped us. 3. Understand how God has personally met us. 4. Discern the will of God for Immanuel.

Friday evening, after good food and conversation, we had a teaching and discussion on the spiritual gifts articulated by Paul in his letters to the churches in Corinth and Rome (1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12). Then we shared the results of a spiritual gifts assessment we had each taken before the retreat. It is very encouraging to see how the Lord has equipped this particular Vestry for its leadership role this year. The gift of faith is particularly prominent, moving us to realize we are well equipped to move forward in faithful risk-taking and the implementation of the mission God has given Immanuel.

We also spent time Friday evening learning about godly listening and discernment, drawing on James 3:13-18, Philippians 2:1-11, and Pursuing God’s Will Together by Ruth Haley Barton. We put what we learned into practice, seeking the Lord’s guidance on whether to fill the vacant spot on the Vestry. We decided not to fill that spot, and instead to pray with intention for the future Vestry members God will call for 2027, with a specific hope for younger members of the congregation to answer that call.

Saturday morning began with more good food and prayer, then an extended time of sharing personal experiences of God’s movement in our lives. Next, Scott Ankers joined us briefly to share a word from the Lord that he had received for Immanuel. Leaning on the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and a reading from Hearing God by Dallas Willard, Scott offered to the Vestry an invitation from Jesus to participate in “free-hearted collaboration” with him in a year that is to be characterized by “preparing for growth” and “active waiting.”

That exhortation flowed into the remaining hours of the retreat in which we prayed, discussed, brainstormed, planned and articulated an initial understanding of our priorities for 2026. We continue to listen prayerfully with regard to these priorities, and will revisit them at our March Vestry meeting, after which we will share further details with the congregation.

In addition to praying throughout each session, we furthered our union with Jesus and each other as we prayed “The Office” together – Compline, Morning Prayer, and Midday Prayer – and concluded in sharing Holy Communion.

Next week you’ll read in this space more about our retreat as I invite our Vestry to share their reflections. Please continue praying for each member of our Vestry, and our Vestry as a whole, as we listen together for the voice of Jesus, guided by the Spirit, resting in our Father’s embrace.

Your Pastor in Christ,