On Thursday evening, October 18^th, Fr Jonathan Ivanoff, the director of the diocesan Department of Missions and Evangelism came to Lansing and spoke with many of the faithful of the mission about how to proceed with growth.  Fr Jonathan came with many years of experience in parish growth and in the processes by which parishes grow.  His own parish of St John the Theologian in Shirley, Long Island is a shining example of his skill and accumulated knowledge.  Speaking about growth, and utilizing the text of Acts 2, he identified the areas of importance to a parish.  These are Fellowship, the Breaking of Bread, Outreach, Teaching of the Apostles and participating in the Prayers of the Church (Services).  And as the Scripture says, the Lord added to their number daily.  May we all find the strength to participate in the life of the Church to our best ability, and grow our parish through the guidance and help of all of our friends.