Annual Giving Campaign 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

In her book, Jesus, Humanity, and the Trinity: A Brief Systematic Theology, the Anglican theologian Dr. Kathryn Tanner writes that “[In the incarnation], God is doing what God is always doing, attempting to give all that God is to what is not God.” God’s gift-giving is core to who God is. The constant stream of grace that is shared within the Trinity is also constantly flowing towards us as part of God’s creation. And as humans made in God’s image, we were created to live out our identity in open-hearted generosity towards our neighbors. We are joining God’s work of blessing the world, being like God through our giving.

You are a warm, generous congregation— in the ways you share laughter and friendship, in the ways you greet change and difference with curiosity and openness, and in the ways you’ve stepped forward to help each other with little to no warning. I’ve seen how you are striving to be with and for the community outside our doors, as well. Our Lazarus ministry is the most obvious example, but Stars of Hope, the Christmas cookies for emergency personnel, the gift card box— these are just a few of the ways you love your neighbors with God’s love.

So today, I’m asking you to prayerfully imagine how you might share in God’s constant stream of good gifts as part of Grace in 2024. In this coming year, we will continue to gather in worship, care for one another, and love our neighbors in practical ways. We will respond to unforeseen needs and celebrate joyful answers to prayer. We will grow in love and belonging. All of the life-giving, healing ministry that happens here requires people’s time and skills— as you know, having so effectively navigated these months without a rector. It also requires money.

As you plan your days this week, thank the Divine Gift-Giver for supplying you with all that you have. Ask God how you can use your money to be with and for Grace and our neighbors. We will collect pledge cards throughout December. Because we’re getting a late start, we ask that you return them as soon as you are able. Also think about using the online pledging option if that’s easier for you. Thank you for your faithful witness to God’s generosity!

In Christ,

Pastor Charlotte