Hello, fellow pilgrims. As we approach my two-year mark at St. James’, Mt. Airy, (can you believe it?), I would like to take some time and space to offer my discernment of our mission and ministry here. Over the past two years, I have spent time getting to know you as individuals and as a community. I have received your stories; observed how you work together as a community; how you steward your community with time, talent, and treasure; worshipped alongside you; explored faith alongside you; and advocated for others alongside you. The community of St. James’ is very familial in its feel and in its outreach—one for all and all for one. Even so, each day we discern and learn anew—about ourselves, about one another, and about the world around us. We are on a spiritual and ministerial pilgrimage at St. James’, discerning how best to love and serve Christ and one another.
As such, I would like to formally recognize our pilgrimage together as The Camino of St. James’, Mt. Airy. Inspired by the international pilgrimage to the resting place of St. James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela, The Camino of St. James’, Mt. Airy, seeks to embrace our community’s identity as a pilgrim people, walking together toward Christ and reaching out together toward the world.
Our logo, the scallop shell, is an ancient sign of pilgrimage. It is also our theological map and our missional compass. Over the next several weeks, I will write more about this theological map of our mission and ministry (our Camino) and how we can move forward together, inviting others to join us along this pilgrimage of faith and discernment. Until next week, please know that…
You are Beautiful and you are Beloved.
Angela+