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Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This morning we kicked off our annual stewardship campaign with a skit! A hearty thanks goes out to parishioner Susan Ridgeway for performing "TIPS" with me during the 11:00 a.m service.
The theme of this year's campaign is More Than Enough. As you can see from the Scripture passage above, it is based on the miracle of the loaves and fish. Whether the miracle was a supernatural multiplication of food by Jesus or the miracle of radical sharing by the gathered crowd, it is a powerful story of abundance from God.
In fact, I think of this story every single Sunday. When the ushers collect the offering and then bring it forward, I take the collection plates in my hands and raise them up at the altar, presenting to God these fruits of our life and labor. Then I set the plates down on the altar and make the sign of the cross over them while asking God to multiply these gifts and accomplish with them more than we could ask or imagine.
And let me tell you, we are accomplishing a lot. Today was the third installment of our newcomers' class, during which we talked about all the ways parishioners can serve the church and serve the world through the church. Led by Deacon Denise, we walked through so many ministries, church events, and service projects. I actually started to feel a bit panicky inside because our church calendar is so full!
But it's all good stuff. Great stuff. Signs of life and vibrance animated by the energy and enthusiasm of this community.
Over the next few weeks, I invite you to prayerfully consider what amount -- and particularly, what percentage of your income -- God is calling you to give to Incarnation in 2023 to sustain our common life.
And please save two very important dates!
Our Stewardship Dinner will be in the Assembly Hall on Thursday, November 10, at 7:00 p.m. We will have a Mexican fiesta with a taco bar, sangria, and entertainment. (Please let me know if you have any connections to a mariachi band!) There is no cost to attend.
Our Stewardship season culminates on Commitment Sunday, November 13. All will be invited to place their 2023 Commitment Cards in the offering plate to be blessed at the altar. By doing so, we acknowledge before God and each other our intentions to set apart a percentage of our income to help build God’s kingdom through the work of the church.
Commitment Cards are available at the church and will be mailed out in one week. You are also welcome to make your 2023 financial commitment online.
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