Stewardship 2009
When his followers asked him how to pray, Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer. As we pray it, we ask to be able to honor God, and to work for God's kingdom. We ask to be able to forgive as we are forgiven. We ask not to be tested, and to be protected. And we ask for one other thing: our daily bread.
This fall, the Stewardship Committee asks all of us at St. Thomas parish to think in particular about our daily bread, the gift that feeds us and supports us as we do Christ's work in the world. This bread is physical and spiritual; it is Eucharist, it is the food we share as a gathered community, it is food on The Haven's shelves. Consider the Gospel story of the loaves and fishes, as Luke and Matthew tell it: how bread, shared and given to God, multiplies to feed the thousands gathered around Jesus.
Think intentionally about how you will give to St. Thomas in 2010, where "All are welcome—no exceptions—to worship, love, serve, and grow." Think of those who support us as we live into this mission:
- Guy Collins and Madelyn Betz, our clergy, who guide, teach, empower, and challenge us;
- Gerald Weale, whose extraordinary musical talent enriches our worship experience;
- Ana Gerhardt, who gracefully oversees countless details as parish administrator;
- Tonya Somers, who manages our beautiful church property, our rectory, and Edgerton House, a home-away-from-home for college students;
- Carolyn Lorie, who cares for the youngest members of our parish family every Sunday morning.
Consider the team of volunteers who track and tend to the parish's finances. And think of yourself and all parish members, a community working together, united in its purpose and mission.
Our support of people, and for buildings and ministries, carries a price tag. In 2009, the daily cost to do all that St. Thomas does is $1,660. Pledge income provides $1,195 per day. That's about 70% of our daily expenses. You are right; it does not add up! Look and listen for further information from your Stewardship Committee about our parish finances, and about our parish's vision for the coming year.
At Sunday worship in October, you will hear testimony from members, and word from the pulpit, on the meaning of stewardship. Mid-month, look for a special Stewardship edition of the newsletter. On Sunday, October 25, following a joint 9 a.m. service, Susan DeBevoise Wright will speak to us at our Stewardship Brunch. And Sunday, November 1, marks the in-gathering of member giving for the coming year, 2010.
Join us in all ways as good stewards of our mission.
The 2009 Stewardship Committee: Eric Esau and Kelly Seaman, Co-chairs; vEnessa Y. Acham, Tom McFarland, Sally Redman