October 7, 2026

Wednesday Word . . . Discernment

At the September Vestry meeting I brought up the topic of discernment. I reminded the Vestry that part of their job was to be looking for how the people of the parish could better use their gifts and talents. Within that context, all of us have been made “a kingdom and priests unto God,” and the parish, led by the Vestry, should be a place where everyone is supported, encouraged, and challenged to grow in the life and ministry of Christ.

As it just so happened, discernment was also a topic of conversation at Diocesan Convention. Our keynote speakers were the Rev. Nandra Perry and the Rev. John Lewis, both leaders in the Iona Collaborative (a program which should be familiar to the people of Saint Luke's), and everyone in attendance received a copy of Fr. Lewis' book Discernment in the Early Church and Today.

In that book Fr. Lewis defines discernment as, “determining the best course of action, given the situation.” Discernment can be used when determining a new career path, how we might rework our personal budget, whether or not we offer to serve on a vestry or larger church committee, how we might use our talents and skills for the benefit of the parish, or what actions a vestry might pursue. While “discernment” is most often thought of as leading to ordained ministry, it really has to do with anything in which we try to gain insight into the will and work of God in our lives and in the world.

As we come to the end of 2026 and begin to look forward to 2027, spend some time in personal discernment prayerfully considering how you can offer your gifts for the benefit of Saint Luke's and Christ. And knowing that discernment is best done in community, invite others to be part of your discernment process, either with a group of friends, fellow parishioners, or in meeting with me.

I believe the people of Saint Luke's, individually and corporately, have many gifts to share with the parish and with the people of Buffalo. May we all work to discern where God is calling us.

Blessings,

Todd+