August 2, 2024

Last week marked the 50th Anniversary of the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church. As some of you know, our very own Lori Bakker and Wayne Ogorek, as well as Saint Anne's first rector, The Rev. Anne Miner-Pearson, are part of a 30-minute documentary called Every Gift An Offering, telling the story of how the Episcopal Church in Minnesota "struggled, strove, and adapted to this new reality, with God's help." The film was created by the Bishop's staff and filmed in part at Saint Anne's.

In the film, Anne, Lori, and Wayne share beautiful and moving insights about how the very early Saint Anne's community was brave and bold in confronting biases and assumptions, some their own, and expanding their understanding of what it means to follow Spirit far and wide. Personally speaking, it is not a small thing for me to stand on the strong shoulders of such faith, and I do not take it for granted. 

My prayer for all of us this week is that we always strive to keep our hearts and minds open to new ways Spirit may be calling us to be in community with one another, and to be the church in the world. Even when, especially when, it feels challenging. Who knows what might be waiting for us yet! You can watch the film below and I hope you find it as moving as I did