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Entrusted Newsletter Launched!
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You are reading Grace's newest communication,
Entrusted
, the stewardship e-newsletter. The newsletter will be sent weekly during our annual pledge drive, which will run through November 13. The newsletter is titled
Entrusted, because that name captures the essence of true stewardship - that we are stewards for all that God has given to us. We have been "entrusted."
The newsletter will include features and news about and opportunities for stewardship at Grace Church. Stewardship is, of course, about more than just financial giving and pledges. We are stewards for all of our gifts, abilities, and resources, and there are many ways that we may be good stewards through our service and worship at Grace.
We hope that you will read and enjoy these issues of entrusted year-round and that you will give us your feedback.
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Edith Snider, Chair
Skeeter Makepeace
Wayne Smith
Albert Howell
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Annual Pledge Drive Begins
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Stewardship traditionally encompasses several facets of our accountability for the gifts that God gives to us: Time, Talent & Treasure.
Grace has now launched our annual pledge campaign, part of our stewardship efforts. This year's theme is "Grounded in Grace, Growing in Giving." It is time to prayerfully consider how we can share our "treasure" in support of Christ and how we can financially support the ministries and worship of our congregation. Click here for more information on how to give and receive a pledge card.
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We'll use these updated graphics to keep you informed each week of our progress on the pledge drive.
2017 PLEDGE DRIVE TOTALS AS OF 9/27/16:
49 Pledging Units* (37.7% of 130 Pledging Unit Goal)
$146,567 (36.6% of $400,000 Goal)
* A pledging unit may be defined as one pledging family or household, including singles!
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PLEDGERS
(GOAL: 130 Pledging Units)
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Perhaps it’s Jesus’ fault; he makes so many things look easy. Not enough loaves and fishes? Bless them and hand them round to feed the thousands. Incurable disease? Ask for help, touch the hem of the garment, or wash in a pool, and hey presto – all well again! It’s easy to take a superficial look at these parts of the Gospel and get the idea that Jesus is that miraculous being who can run without fuel. But that would be a misapprehension; He was powered by a high-octane tankful of God. Everything runs on something: bodies burn calories, HVAC systems use electricity, oil or gas; churches run on… God. And you. And money.
Grace Church and its Parishioners take their inspiration from God, and that’s a very good thing. They put themselves out there, at the Farmers’ Market, at Family Promise, in the classrooms, at the keyboards, on the grounds – and that’s good too. But it takes $$$ to keep these things in motion. Whether it’s new trees for the lawn, extra SNAP dollars at the Market, internet connections to get the word out, someone to write the paychecks and call the plumber or tuning for the organ and pianos, everything that goes on has financial need behind it. As a spiritual organization functioning in a physical world, nothing much can happen without money.
So think about sharing yours. If the church and its outreach, its worship, its personnel and its teaching are worth preserving and enhancing, fill out that little card that came in the mail or go to the website to pledge online. Nothing goes anywhere without fuel.
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STEWARDSHIP MOMENT:
Susan E. Brown
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A career move brought me from Tullahoma to Chattanooga in 2005. Leaving St. Barnabas was very emotional for me. After visiting most all Episcopal parishes in the Chattanooga and Hixson area, I finally found my “home” at Grace. One of the most reassuring moments was when Gene Smitherman finally received my transfer letter two months late. I was beginning to wonder if I was being rejected. However, I have never felt so welcomed as I have at Grace.
Two years ago, I was asked to become a chalice bearer. An introvert at heart, I struggled with the decision. I told Susan Butler I was not worthy and worried I would embarrass myself and God. Susan replied, “God doesn’t get embarrassed"! I think was her way of telling me to get over my reservations and do God’s work regardless of my fears. My two year anniversary as chalice bearer comes up September 14, 2016. I am so very appreciative to all the Grace family for supporting me. I have never known such a bless
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