As we study the parables together this fall, we are drawn to the Parable of the Talents and what it tells us about fearing the future and trusting our Lord. We too have struggled with uncertainties and grief in the past two years.

Unlike the fearful servant of the parable, though, we are blessed to know the true nature of our master, who is endlessly faithful and grants us collective strength. His power has allowed us to be “More Than the Sum” of our in-person attendance, our calendar of events, or even our individual efforts during a time when it has been hard to physically gather together. Yet, as so beautifully shown in our stewardship logo, God has guided the work of our hands so that we are still His church, reaching out to each other and our neighbors to bring His light and healing to a hurting world. In all our ministries God has knit our talents together in His church, and His gifts to us have multiplied into blessings we could not have foreseen.

Consider The Parable of the Growing Seed: “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how.” We may at times feel that we are barely making it through the day, trying to trust God a little at a time. But then we see His faithfulness and “know not how”! Despite uncertainties, FPC has faithfully continued to sow seeds, and God has blessed our community with growth in ministries we never imagined—by adding hands to the work through new members, volunteers, interns, and vital new staff like Jerry Swam Sidi and Justin Miller, who strengthen our worship and outreach efforts.

Though we “know not how,” in the midst of life’s uncertainties God still brings bounty. With God’s help we are moving forward through the fear of this season; and although we can’t see very far ahead, we can trust that His abundant grace is always leading us on the right path. /Stewardship Committee

Our pledge goal for this year’s Stewardship Campaign is $676,344, an increase of about $21,000 over last year. As you consider your pledge for 2022, please reflect on all that we have accomplished together. For those new to our congregation, we encourage pledging your gifts in advance so that we can responsibly plan our yearly spending and operate from a balanced budget. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any member of the Stewardship Committee for answers to questions you may have about pledging and budgeting at FPC! You can also find more information about pledging in our stewardship videos at FPC Bristol on YouTube.

You should receive your pledge mailer by Sunday. You can also download the pledge card here. Please return your card by Sunday, October 31; you may mail it to the church, place it in the offering plate at one of our worship services, or drop it off in the church office during normal business hours. If you prefer to make your pledge online, please refer to the instructions for online giving. On Sunday the 31st we will dedicate our combined pledges to God’s service.

FPC volunteers will be serving those in need in downtown Bristol this Saturday, October 9. Many other FPC folk have baked casseroles and made sack lunches ahead of time. We thank all the volunteers whose efforts make this ministry possible! If you want to participate in the future, please contact Beth Flannagan or Becca Tate,

You can watch the livestream of our worship services and other activities at FPC Bristol on YouTube. Click on the link and hit “subscribe” to receive notifications of new videos. To connect to our various Facebook sites, go to Facebook and type in “FPC Bristol.” Several accounts will show up. “Like” the page or ask to join a group.

Help fuel our Stewardship campaign by sharing your stories of the part the church has played in your life in 2021. We are eager to hear how you and your family have experienced community and grace in our life together. Please send us an email telling your story or an experience you have had of God’s grace in our communal life. If you can, please include pictures and videos. Your story could be used by the Stewardship Committee in the upcoming campaign. You may, of course, ask to remain anonymous. Email your stories, pictures, and videos directly to the Stewardship Committee or link to the mailer.

Deadline & Subscriptions

Monday is the deadline for contributions to Windows. Subscribe to our free e-newsletter, by sending your name and preferred email address to the editor.