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October 26, 2023
I'd like to share a personal journey that has profoundly impacted my connection with God and our beloved Church. During the 90’s, my involvement with Saint Stephen’s was limited to attending holiday services. In my mother's words, I was a "Holiday worshipper," showing up only for Christmas and Easter. In stark contrast, my parents have been steadfast pillars of the Saint Stephen’s community for over three decades. They attend Sunday services, actively participate in parish events, lend a hand whenever needed, and faithfully contribute their annual pledge. I continue to be inspired by my parents and their unwavering dedication to the Church.
Over the past six years, I have felt an awakening within me. I shed my holiday worshipper role and began seeking a deeper spiritual connection with God. I wanted to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others beyond my daily work routine. I committed to attending Sunday services regularly and explored available programs. My giving journey began with volunteering for Family Promise, one of our Outreach initiatives that provides shelter and meals for homeless families. The simple action of making beds was one way I could assist these families, and I was profoundly grateful to do it. I eagerly awaited the next Family Promise opportunity, only to discover it occurred just three times a year.
God’s work on my life did not stop there. I got involved in the Outreach Committee, and I discovered the numerous ways Saint Stephen’s supports those in need through time, financial support, clothing, or food. My husband Mike commented on how my face lit up when I talked about my experiences. My involvement continued to grow, including the parish partnership with Christ Church, Fairfield, where I was confirmed and once attended regularly as a child and young adult. I also explored the pastoral care ministries at Saint Stephen’s, learning how our church supports our parishioners through prayer, cards, flowers, meals, and phone calls. These ministries fill my heart with joy, and now I more fully comprehend the proverb, "It is better to give than to receive."
These ministries and so many others are vibrant at Saint Stephen’s because of the generous promises of financial support we all make toward God’s work through the Church. Our annual pledges fund outreach, pastoral care, care of creation, and Christian formation, as well as administrative costs, utilities, supplies, and the maintenance of our beautiful campus. Just as each of us can lend our hands to the ministries of Saint Stephen’s, we can each pledge our financial support to the Church. When we do this, we are sharing the light of Christ.
Our 2024 stewardship campaign is themed "Be the Light". I urge you to engage wholeheartedly in Consecration Sunday on November 12, when we will make our financial commitments to Saint Stephen’s for the year ahead. Our pledges shape the annual budget and constitute the most important source of income, covering 85% of our expenses. In 2022, SSEC parishioners pledged $1,587,237, and we received $1,618,960, thanks to the generosity of many who exceeded their pledge commitments.
I hope you'll join me this year in becoming a beacon of light for our parish, and yourself, your family, friends, neighbors, and the larger community. I pray you will hold your light high to guide those in need through dark times and illuminate the path for those who can't find Christ's light on their own. We can help others discover their way to God, live a Christian life, become part of the Saint Stephen’s family, volunteer their time, and make resource commitments.
Together, we can shine even brighter and provide more support than years before. Let us be the light for one another and for those who need it most. Please make your 2024 financial pledge today and join us on November 12 for Consecration Sunday.
God’s peace be with you,
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