One of the things that I love about the Episcopal Church is that like the seasons, it is cyclical, some may say boring or predictable but I find it comforting. I like that one could go to most any Episcopal church at this time of year and hear a sermon about and plans for stewardship.
Last Sunday, Sarah preached on Matthew 22 15:22 which includes the famous line, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Sarah asked us, when thinking about how much to pledge, to think about pledging from Jesus’ perspective, and ask ourselves “What do I have that doesn’t belong to God? If I belong to God what do I have that doesn’t belong to God? Jesus’ perspective challenges our assumptions that we are self-made, proud possessors of all that we have.” Sarah’s question has stuck with me as I think about stewardship and pledging to Epiphany. I think about the choices that I have made after prayerful listening to God’s voice in my life and how that contributed to all that I have and am so very grateful.
Yesterday during the service, we heard from Warren McFarlan and Solomon Owayda, co-chairs of the stewardship committee, urging us to pledge and explaining to us why they pledge, you can hear those messages here. In upcoming Sunday services we will hear from other parishioners about why they pledge.
Now to some of the logistics of pledging. You all have received or will soon receive by mail the stewardship packet, it is also on the 3crowns website, click here, describing REJOICING REUNION RENEWAL. Included in the packet is a pledge form, we are encouraging parishioners to pledge on-line but we would still like for you to return the pledge form by mail or during our special drive-up Stewardship Ingathering. Please look carefully at the pledge form to check that your information (name, address, email) is correct. Please pay special attention to your phone number, if you only use your cell phone number and it is not listed please include it with your information.
Finally, on Sunday, 22 November we will have our “Stewardship Ingathering”, it won’t be our usual ingathering luncheon but it will be fun. Your wardens and other members of the Stewardship Committee will be outside the church from 1:00 to 3:00pm to collect your pledge forms. Dave McSweeney and I really miss you and would love to see you in person, please wear a mask and stay socially distant, but we would like the chance to greet you and thank you in person. Even if you have already pledged online, we would like an updated paper pledge form and the opportunity to see you. We really hope to see you on November 22 and working on a special way to entice you, so stay tuned…
If you have any questions about this year’s stewardship campaign please feel free to contact Warren McFarlan, Solomon Owayda or me.
Yours in Christ,
Suzanne Owayda, Warden
