Pledge Campaign
They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. – Jeremiah 1
The theme of our 2023 annual stewardship campaign is Rooted in Abundance. Plant roots are below the surface. What’s visible above ground reflects the health of the root. Mature root systems can look like a tangled mess, yet it is through those networks that information and resources are transmitted to the rest of the plant. Much is needed for a root system to remain healthy.
Being “Rooted in Abundance” we believe deep down below the surface that God will provide what is needed for us, individually and collectively, to be the local expression of the body of Christ. We acknowledge this in our Sunday liturgy when at 8:00 we say, “All things come of thee, O Lord…” and at 10:00 we pray “God of abundance…”. This belief in God’s abundance allows us to act boldly, with confidence, but not recklessly. Roots can be strong and tender. Roots need tending.
This theme describes our church community and how we share our gifts so generously with each other. It also recognizes the gifts that have been entrusted to us through past generations. Our roots go deep.
Our giving tradition at St. John’s has always been focused on how we share all of our gifts – not just our financial gifts. A church needs new ideas, creative people to lead, individuals who know how to solve complex problems, volunteers to keep our ministries focused on our neighbors. We usually talk about this in a three-fold way: wealth, works, and wisdom. If any one of these areas is missing from our community, we are diminished.
Each of us has a gift, some of us have many. For some it is providing food, others sing, we are grateful for those called to committee work or who offer hospitality, who serve at the altar, who teach, who quietly pray and support others. Whatever your ministries are, we couldn’t be who we are without you.
We thank you this year for the ways you have shared your gifts with us – your wealth, works, and your wisdom. In the coming days you will receive more information about this year’s campaign and an invitation to let us know what gifts you would like to share with us for next year’s ministry. Thank you for your generosity, once again.
In gratitude,
Deb Blackhurst
Co-Warden
Ellen McVey
Co-Warden