I love you.

I said this to St. Nicholas people gathered for one of the 2002 Lenten evenings. Now, I say it to everyone quite publicly and quite sincerely. St. Nicholas is you and you are strong and faith-filled.

It is with an open heart that I see St. Nicholas sharing a vision and an experience of "classic faith for contemporary people." Many notions about the work and meaning of St. Nicholas have been urged but certain things seem clear and supported by parish response—choices based on our identity:

• a community-based Scout effort
• an integrated approach to music and liturgy
• a strong program of seeking and valuing new members
• an opportunity to welcome an international spiritual leader in our own tradition
• an adventurous summer based on a response to September ll
• on-going belief that God approaches us in mystery and holiness.

St. Nicholas seems to learn best and enjoys most when the great festivals are presented with richness and intensity. This fact was well expressed by a visitor who complimented us for offering "more than a sermon."

As a sermon-writer, as a Christian teacher, I know that sermons are important. Sermons are a responsibility for clergy and laity—the one to prepare and present, the other to consider and apply—all with diligence and serious concern. Nonetheless, it is clear that our time requires more and this "more" is communicated in ways that we are exploring.

Worship and celebration are the heart of St. Nicholas—your heart. Neither is a "spectator sport" to be endlessly critiqued, each is an experience in which God blesses and uses our efforts to say "I love you" to Him and to each other.

Jesus Christ is the center of our shared pilgrimage for He is the One who says the ultimate "I love you" from His Cross and through His sacraments. Jesus Christ is the absolute "more than a sermon" and we go forward in His strength and for His purposes.

Father James