It's hard to believe that July has come and gone. Since we arrived in Carlsbad in early July, we have truly enjoyed every moment of our being here, and it is with thanks and gratitude that we also consider Grace Church our home and you our family. Carol and I have experienced a warm welcome from everyone in the Grace community. We very much look forward to getting to know you all better as we serve together in our Lord's Vineyard.

Reflecting on the Grace Church symbol, I couldn't help but think of nautical themes considering the anchor which is the most prominent feature of our crest. Who is our anchor? Our anchor is our Lord Jesus Christ. As we, together, chart our course for ministry into the future at Grace, we can be confident that Christ is also our Captain. His Spirit will empower us and guide us as we seek to serve him and serve one another in his church.

I join in prayer along with St. Paul, as he said in the first chapter of his letter to the Philippians, "I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in everyone of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:3-6) May we be constantly encouraged and comforted by the knowledge that Jesus will indeed continue the good work he has begun in the life of Grace Church as we walk together, work together and love one another as he has first loved us.

Grace and peace,

Fr. Rod+

Tags: Rector