The following two paragraphs are taken from the beginning of Archdeacon Howard Stringfellow's sermon at Good Shepherd Scranton, Sunday, September 13, his first Sunday of service there as supply priest:
"The opportunity to serve this parish came to me unexpectedly when Canon Warne announced his retirement from his “retirement” and when Bishop Paul asked if I were interested. Your sense of mission and the zeal you have pursuing it have won my heart and the hearts of the New Hope Committee who have such high hopes for you and whose hearts rejoice in your progress to provide a much-needed emergency shelter in Scranton. Even before I begin my service, you have my esteem and affection. They will only grow as I get to know you better.
"The opportunity to serve this parish came to me unexpectedly when Canon Warne announced his retirement from his “retirement” and when Bishop Paul asked if I were interested. Your sense of mission and the zeal you have pursuing it have won my heart and the hearts of the New Hope Committee who have such high hopes for you and whose hearts rejoice in your progress to provide a much-needed emergency shelter in Scranton. Even before I begin my service, you have my esteem and affection. They will only grow as I get to know you better.
"I come to you with a mission, however. I am here so that I can go
away. I am here to do what I can do pastorally, liturgically, and
administratively so that you can call a rector. A supply priest is
neither a rector nor a substitute for a rector. While your mission has
soared in the past five years, your mission will have all the more
focus and intensity when you have the right person guiding you and
ministering with you with no other priestly responsibilities. I ask
that you add your prayers to mine that that day approach sooner rather
than later."
Download the sermon below:
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