The Rector's Column - September 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters,  

Even though it is the beginning of September, it feels like the end of the year. That, for me at the moment, is because of all that’s been going on around the parish and the desire to recognize that. 

To say the least, it’s been an eventful few months! 

So many have “stepped up” to support and enable these things. That has included the vestry, committee’s we’ve formed, individual leaders, parish organizations, and our staff. Vestry was presented at its most recent meeting the results of the audit committee. This is a small group of people who are not part of the administration or finance office, who are tasked with looking through our records and reviewing our compliance with diocesan guidelines. Their job is not only to discourage any maleficence, but also to provide “outside eyes” to help reflect on the way we conduct business. We are thankful to have that. 

We have new carpet throughout the building. That meant a couple of weeks of varying degrees of upheaval while the work was done. The installers (AFT Flooring) did a great job and went above and beyond “the call of duty” to make repairs and adjustments along the way. The flower beds and courtyard look amazing. Many hours of work and attention have gone into that. We have refurbished signs in various places. 

While all those physical things received due attention, we also have begun offering prayer ministry during communion at Mass on Sunday. Several parishioners have been engaged with courses on healing and pastoral ministries. The Lay Eucharistic Visitors continue their ministry. The various parish groups continue to meet and carry on with their ministries. 

While all those physical things received due attention, we also have begun offering prayer ministry during communion at Mass on Sunday. Several parishioners have been engaged with courses on healing and pastoral ministries. The Lay Eucharistic Visitors continue their ministry. The various parish groups continue to meet and carry on with their ministries. 

So, so much has been going on. It is good to pause and reflect on it all (and to answer why we feel so busy!). What can I say, but “Well Done, Church!”. All these things have happened because, as a body, we have been committed to one another and to the parish. Thank you. 

More than that, we are filled with gratitude to our God. Each of these things has been in response to what He is doing in our midst. He has provided the means for them to be accomplished. He is the One who has been moving in each of our hearts. We praise and thank Him for His goodness and grace. We also recall that He is also the reason why we are doing all these things. Yes, the time came to replace and upgrade things. We don’t do it for the sake of having a building, but because our building is devoted as a place of prayer, praise and worship of the Living God. It is the operations center for this branch of His kingdom. It is the training facility for His children. It, and the new property, are ours only as stewards and participants in His mission to the world. 

Thank you to each one who has done so much and made it possible for this to have been such an eventful time. Thanks be, even more, to the God who has made us His own! 

The Lord be with you,  +Fraser  

The Rt. Rev. Fraser Lawton, Rector and Assistant Bishop, Diocese of Dallas