Dear Christ Church family,
In times of difficulty and pain where do you go, to whom do you turn? In times of joy and hope where do you go and to whom do you turn?
Many of us find ourselves fixed to the news of the “promised land” under siege, the illness or death of a loved one, or struggles within the family, and yet like all past years the leaves are changing colors, the weather has cooled, and fall is here. God has once again painted a beautiful tapestry to remind us that He is in our midst. In times like this we can feel unmoored, alone and helpless. But with a tapestry of fall wonder all around, where do you place your hope?
When Paul Walker asked me to write a letter to the congregation on stewardship, I thought, ‘oh yes, that’s one of my responsibilities as your Senior Warden.’ But as I began to write such a message I struggled. What is at the heart of the matter? Why is this important in the midst of seeming chaos? And then I remembered…as God’s children to whom many gifts have been given, much will be asked. Maybe it is time to explore what God calls us to do with gifts such as these. In the Bible God asks for our first fruits, and then He asks us to share those gifts with others. God does not ask this for himself; I believe He asks so that good works can be done in His name. Mathew 22:37-40 says “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the Prophets.” Giving our first fruits to His Holy body seems a wonderful opportunity to love God AND our neighbor.
Our current physical church needs some expensive repairs, (Click to view PDF) and your vestry took a deep dive into the possibility of a capital campaign. We don’t have the funds to do all that is required, nor do we have a large endowment. But after much discussion and prayer, we, the vestry, decided the church should live out what it teaches-- entrust all things to God with faith and focus instead on stewardship.
“Christ Church is a welcome respite full of grace for all.”
Christ Church is a welcome respite full of grace for all. We support many ministries and have embarked on the exciting journey of supporting the Downtown Counseling Center, which will serve a critical need in our community. It is true we count on your financial support to help Christ Church and its ministries but making your annual gift is an opportunity for you as well. How is this, you may ask? It is a moment to take stock of your priorities. As Mathew 6:21 states “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Where is your heart? Do you trust God in all things? This is an opportunity to mindfully make a decision on where to put your treasure. God is giving you a chance to put your faith in Him; this, my friends is the gift to you. Maybe you want to help with the larger financial issues, the physical needs of the church, the Downtown Counseling Center, or maybe you want to pledge a bit more this year. Whatever choice you make, make it in prayer and try to listen to God’s call.
This year I urge you to ask yourself, where do you want your heart to be? Do you trust God in all things? Join me in prayerfully considering your gift and stewardship. It can be a blessed moment to draw closer to God in trust and faith.
Meg Holden, Senior Warden