My Brothers and Sisters, it is indeed a great pleasure and privilege to be your Rector at such a time as this.

During the past one- and -a -half years (1 ½ years), we have come through many dangers, toils and snares. We have experienced two hurricanes, Jane and Francis in 2004, and once again in 2005 we were devastated by hurricane Wilma. Many of you lost your homes, your cars and personal effects, but through it all we have learned to trust in Jesus, we have learned to trust in God.

We were saddened by the loss of seven members of our Church Family during 2005. I trust that as we begin to rebuild our lives, and our homes in this new year, that we would forget the things that lie behind us, and we would press toward the mark of the high calling , which is Jesus Christ the Lord.

My prayer is that God would bring us all into a fuller knowledge of Him in 2006. I trust that we would seek the Lord while he can be found. That we would give of our time, talent and possessions to build up God's kingdom here on earth, and in particular right here at St. Stephen, our home Church.

I pray God's blessing for each and every one of you in 2006.