“We have had many opportunities to experience God’s faithfulness and love as we have journeyed through the past eight years. We have learned to step out in faith and take risks knowing that with God, all things are possible. We have become more aware of needs beyond our walls and have tithed our income to other organizations in our local community (Safe Shelter), in our Diocese (Habitat Faith Build) and in our world (Bridges of Seeds). We have made upgrades to our facilities, renovating areas of the sanctuary, hall and rectory in Swift Current and purchasing a new church building in Pennant and have been able to pay off, in a timely manner, all debt incurred in these projects. And we have been called to embark on a new way of being the Body of Christ as we move into a Total Ministry model. Through every decision we have learned the importance of prayer. And although we may not know what the future holds, we do know the One who holds the future and who better can we trust. So with our hand firmly in God’s, we are eager to walk with Him into the future that He has in store for us and we are excited to meet the leader He has called to walk with us.” (Parish Profile 2010)

This is the introduction to our Parish Profile and I felt it was fitting to share in this annual report. God is good ... all the time! We have experienced His goodness. And because we know that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV) we can be assured that we will continue to experience His goodness as we walk hand in hand with Him. Our future won’t be without challenges but we can be assured that God is by our side and He will never give up on us especially when life is hard.

I encourage us to read all the individual reports in this booklet and observe where God has been active in the life and ministry of this parish. Listen for His voice through what is written on these pages as He speaks words of love, hope, and encouragement to us. Ask Him to show us what He has planned for each ministry and for St. Stephen’s and St. John’s as a whole.

And then with Him, let’s dream big. Let’s not limit God by doing only what we know we can accomplish on our own. Let’s leave room for God to work and have faith that He will fill those gaps between our abilities and the vision that He has for us in this place. Let’s recall His goodness in the past and have faith that this year He will bring a wonderful Rector to our parish.

Most importantly, let’s remember that God desires an intimate relationship with each of us and that He values this relationship more than all our activity. Let’s allow our activity to flow from the relationship we have with Him. So in all our ministry areas and in our personal lives, let’s place a priority on deepening and growing that relationship with Jesus.

I have enjoyed sharing my life with all of you this past year – each one of you is a treasure and a gift from God and I feel so blessed to be part of this family of St. Stephen’s and St. John’s. I thank you all for your prayers and support during this time of interregnum and for your obedience to listen for God’s voice and participate in the areas He is calling you. It is a great joy to be part of your lives and your faith journey.

Lord, we praise You for being the One we can depend on, the One who never changes, the One who loves us dearly. Thank You for drawing us into an ever deepening and loving relationship with You. We love You Lord!

Respectfully submitted,
Janet Neubauer

PEOPLE’S WARDEN

I have been a member of Vestry and People’s Warden off and on for over forty years here at St. Stephen’s church. During this time, as you might expect, there have been many changes. Of all these changes, what would one expect would stand out the most?

For me it has become very obvious, it is in the area of spirituality. I see so many people in our congregation taking on new challenges within and outside the church, many of which they themselves would say are outside their comfort zone. This stepping out in faith and letting the Holy Spirit lead them has been something nothing short of miraculous.

When I watch and listen as these individuals serve us and others as well, I often feel that I’m experiencing firsthand God’s work in their lives. Somehow I wish that I could convey to them in a more meaningful way how all of this has inspired so many of us. It is a great gift to be able to stir someone’s soul. These individuals have sustained us in many ways, for many years and often with great personal sacrifices. They have been there when the chips are down to provide continuity, prayer and understanding in our lives. This happening has certainly made my faith grow, as I have witnessed the change in so many. The value of this work can only be expressed with thanks and support.

Respectfully submitted,
Jim Smart

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