Before I tell you what 4 mission statements put together equals, let me focus on what it is that has brought us together in the first place. Let us focus on the Word of God, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh that dwelt among us and now through the Holy Spirit grows in and through us. The Word of God is the seed that has been planted in our lives. It is the Word of God that comes to us through Jesus, through the scriptures, and through the proclaimed word as we share that love. Each of you has incredible gifts that you share with this parish... each of you with your unique congregation.

St. Marks, through your mission statement you are reminding us to cultivate... to tend to the soil of our lives so that we may grow in the Word of God and not have the seed be found on rocky, thorny, or trampled soil. St. Mark's, you have given us the answer of learning from past and try-trying again again relying on God! You have given us the answers as you remind is again and again that the fertile ground is not just for our parish, but for our communities and the world.

Berea, through your mission statement, you bring us the light that is needed to grow the seed in that fertile soil. Your light has shown so faithfully as you have remained like the "big brother" or "big sister" in the parish shining your gifts of organization and faithfulness to each of the others. Many times we are told how the light that shines so brightly on the building of Berea in the darkness as it has guided a lost soul, been a welcomed sight to those caught in a storm, or even brought peace and quiet sharing of the beauty of the Lord. Berea, you are the light of Christ that has been reassured, welcomed, and brought peace in this parish.

Grace, through your mission statement, you bring what any living creature needs... you bring us the gifts of remembering who's grace it is that showers down upon us. "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am also." Christ is definitely among you as you are refreshing as a summer rain on dry land. You remind us that it is only by the grace of God that we have been saved and are able to be a church. You remind us as well to pray and keep praying and God's grace will indeed shower upon us.

In all we do, say, and live, Gloria Dei, through your mission statement, you have given us the answer of hope beyond all hopes. You have taught us the true meaning of hoping in something that you cannot see. You have taught us that even when it looks like death is coming, there is life! Some years back, when it was hard to pay the bills and attendance was low, you hoped and you dared to do all for the Glory of God trusting that God would bless your work in all that you did, said, and lived. God has indeed blessed us with you and with all these new families that have become a part of our Tri-County family.

With the Word of God, we therefore have cultivated fertile ground from St. Mark's, light from Berea, showers of grace from Grace, and Working in God's Glory from Gloria Dei. I won't hold you in suspense any longer of what our four mission statements put together equals. They equal a harvest... a harvest of God's work in our midst... a harvest of God's mission to reap! Christ, the Word of God made flesh, was like the seed of winter wheat that first appeared dead in the cold dead of winter, but then that Word rose and grew bringing life! That word, the Seed of Life, grows in you and gives you all you need to do mission for this harvest... a harvest that is absolutely priceless!