Dear Friends in Christ,
The discipline of stewardship has both a practical and a spiritual dimension. St. Paul’s relies on the faithfulness and generosity of our many members to support and facilitate the ongoing operations of our parish. All the ministries we offer and the many activities that take place on our property—everything we do is activated and sustained by your financial commitment to this community.
Stewardship is also a spiritual exercise of grace and gratitude. We give as a response of thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given us, and an expression of faith in God’s abundance and continued provision. Scripture encourages us to be willing and cheerful givers—to not be motivated by guilt or grudging obligation, but by a spirit of love and joy—as we do our part in helping to grow and spread God’s kingdom.
As you consider how you might approach the discipline of stewardship in your own life, I encourage you to make a formal commitment by filling out and returning the enclosed pledge card to the church on or before Sunday, November 3. By “going on record” in this way and showing your support for our shared work, you will help us vision for our future in building our budget for the upcoming year.
When our hearts are dedicated to Christ and when we share in the hope of his gospel, we will quite naturally be moved to willing and joyful generosity, and our gifts will together be magnified for God’s glory and purposes in this time and place.
Yours in faith and gratitude,
The Reverend Jody Burnett