Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.   Hebrews 12:1-2

Dear Friends,
I am writing this from vacation, glad of the graciousness and wonder of God and also mindful of some serious matters before us as a congregation.  The scripture passage above, which was read at the dedication of this church some 15 years ago and also considered by our Bishop's Committee at its last (June) meeting, catches some of these themes.  We can be glad that we have Jesus as pioneer, guide, companion and Savior - we are not alone or lost on our journeys; and that we have a whole cloud of witnesses - the communion of saints - watching and encouraging us onwards.  We must also be aware that we are in the midst of a race, the journey of our lives and God's mission, for which we need to keep focused on Jesus and let go of any sins, burdens and offences which distract us from the race God sets before us.
One of our challenges as a congregation is the departure of Triad Community Services, who have been renting our second floor offices and paying some $2,740/month towards our mortgage and budget.  Triad's funding was from the county and local schools - they cannot continue because of budget cuts and other matters.  Their rent is paid only through mid-August.  We are seeking a new tenant - non-profit or not - for the 1,870 square feet upstairs, at a competitive commercial rent of $2,750 (including utilities).  Please pass the word among friends and co-workers.  If a tenant is not located soon, we will have to address this significant financial issue.
Another matter is the funding for our Senior High Youth Ministry.  We began the year with only six months funding for Sally Arcarese as Youth Pastor.  The ministry has gone very well, with a dozen or more youth actively involved.  Two special pledges have been received to date which will allow funding to continue to mid-September.  At the same time, Sally has found it necessary to seek additional employment to support their household.  She and I are working on a short-term plan to continue her ministry, most likely on Sunday mornings and evenings only, at a reduced funding level.  The Bishop's Committee will discuss this at our July meeting and propose to the congregation some options for youth ministry.  Remember that through our Strategic Planning we have committed to Youth Ministry as a program priority - I don't believe that should change.
Finally, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be held in Minneapolis from July 28 to August 8.  I will be one of four clergy deputies from our diocese at this huge legislative assembly, held every three years, which decides policy and program for the church.  I am excited to have been appointed to the Evangelism Committee which will be presenting 26 resolutions summoning the church to examine its life, ministry, and leadership training, and make dramatic shifts relating to a multicultural, multilingual country, waning church membership, lost youth and young adult members, new international geographies, new economic realities, swerving domestic demographics, and the immediate need for a fresh generation of leaders. The over-all theme of the Convention is "Engaging God's Mission".  Please check the convention website: 
www.episcopalchurch.org/gc2003  for more information about it.
However, there will be controversial issues, especially concerning homosexuality, which will be reported at great length in the media.  We are a diverse church - faithful persons and congregations studying Scripture and seeking to follow Jesus.  Remember that our unity is in Jesus Christ, "the Church's one foundation", and we are all called to faithfully "engage God's mission" as we are led personally and in community.  We will talk more about all this before and after the Convention.
Over-all, I am eager to run the race before us as St. Philip's this Summer and Fall.  The Scotts Valley community and our

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