I recently had occasion to research the word legacy a bit and the opening screen from Google was disappointing. The two definitions suggested by the logarithm Google used reflect the understanding that money or property handed down is a legacy, and the more modern usage of the word to describe computer hardware or software that is so out of date it is hard to replace or find support for. Both definitions seem so bleak and lacking, given that my understanding of legacy is a rich concept of what we pass on to others, much of which is intangible.  

When I expanded the screen to see a wider definition, things didn’t improve. It merely stated, “a thing handed down by a predecessor.” The example usage was also less than uplifting: “the legacy of centuries of neglect”. When did legacy become such a bleak concept, so transactional and leaden? If we look at the Old English, Old French, and Latin roots of our word legacy, we can rediscover the sense that it was a person who served as an ambassador, or a messenger; one who is delegated to fulfill the important task of passing on important ideas, instructions, and beliefs. It seems that meaning is falling by the wayside in favor of how we describe Aunt Edna’s doily collection and Windows 95.  

I prefer the older connotation of legacy, however, and it fits with my understanding of the word and why I’ve been drawn to it lately. At last week’s Town Hall meetings, at which the Vestry and Building Committee unveiled the possible next steps in our Master Plan, legacy was the unspoken connection between our past and our future. On one hand we’re trying to honor and preserve the legacy that has been handed down to us in this place, and on the other, we’re discerning how the legacy we leave for those coming after us will take shape.  

This is a conversation about far more than money and buildings. It’s about the essence of what Christ Church is, who Jesus calls us to be, and how we are faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to us. Our essence, for example, is that we are an institution of Christian community on this Island. We minister to any and all with whom we come in contact, we pass on the faith, and we serve the needy. This is what Jesus calls us to do in every generation. What we do with that calling and how we both answer it and invite others to join us in answering it, is a worthy discernment process for us to engage.  

Using the links below, you can explore the plans and see what has been suggested. We must all spend time looking at them closely, and praying for the discernment the Vestry needs, as we evaluate next steps. Within the next ten days or so everyone will have a chance to respond to a survey about the feasibility of moving forward with any of the plans presented. You will receive a packet in your mailbox, including a postage paid envelope to return the survey.  

The Vestry is asking all of us to consider what is best for Christ Church of today and tomorrow, as we continue to respond to the calling before us to be a center for building up disciples of Christ and sending them out into the world. Whatever we do, we will leave some sort of buildings for those who come after us, but more importantly, we are leaving an important message; the beliefs of our faith, and the torch of stewardship for this place and its people. It’s not about any one of us, but all of us, and how we can be servants of one another and those we will never even meet.

Our suggested projects are ambitious, not because we’re foolish enough to try to tackle all of them at any cost, but because we couldn’t bring ourselves to sell short the vision that is possible for this congregation over the long term. We heard what the congregation asked for and noted as important to us over the last few years. We wanted to be faithful to the fullness of that vision at this stage and see where the Spirit directs us with it. This is an exciting time, and together we will see where we are led. As you discern, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, members of the Vestry, or members of the building committee for clarity, celebration, or concern. That’s what we’re here for. May God grant us faithful discernment and courage to make the best decisions we can in the months to come.

Tom+

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.  Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  BCP p. 817

The presentation from last week and more can be found on our Master Plan website www.ccfssiplan.org.  Click this link to go directly to the presentation:  https://www.ccfssiplan.org/schematic-parish-presentation/

For 3-D videos of some of the projects, go here:

Parish Hall Building:  https://youtu.be/Bb956yNz5RU

Worship Space Interior:  https://youtu.be/JnZI0AsAkOs

St. Ignatius:  https://youtu.be/VxwxIHMs-Jo

Pavilion:  https://youtu.be/_wp6pV26MOY