Dear Friends in Christ,
To live generously is to reflect the nature of the God we serve. We see God’s generosity in creation; in stars too numerous to be counted, seas teeming with life, a dazzling variety of trees and creatures. Our world is absolutely dripping in beauty, diversity, splendor and majesty. Life in relationship with God is one of generosity.
Our stewardship series this year is going to explore God’s abundant provision, endless grace, and the ways a spirit of generosity can enhance our lives. I celebrate the generosity lived out in this congregation. Our church is filled with people who are generous with their time – offering hospitality on Sunday mornings, cooking for Advent House, using their gifts in worship, and caring for those in need. Our church is filled with people who are generous with their resources – packing welcome kits for refugees, filling Thanksgiving baskets, financially supporting UKirk Campus Ministry, and financial support for the running of the church.
This Fall our church building has truly been a hub for activity in our community. Music rehearsals, AA meetings, students gathering for UKirk and community concerts. The hospitality that this church offers makes a difference. The ways that this small congregation engages in mission and ministry is inspiring. All of that is only possible because of your generosity. Your giving makes our ministry possible. Thank you.
We believe that generosity is both a spiritual gift and a spiritual discipline. Giving of our financial resources helps us grow into people who see abundance instead of scarcity, who live out the belief that everything that exists belongs to God and we are only stewards of our money and possessions. It has been empirically shown that generous people lead a more connected, fulfilling life.
We encourage you to prayerfully consider supporting Eastminster Presbyterian for 2024 through your pledges. As you are well aware, costs for utilities and personnel continue to rise. The Session each year prayerfully discerns how we can be generous as a church, while also trying to be faithful stewards of our resources. We have included a pledge card that you can return to the church through the mail or by placing it in the offering plate. You can also pledge online under the “Give” tab on Eastminster’s website (www.eastminsterchurch.org). Please return by Sunday, Oct. 22.
My prayer is that we continue to see through the lens of abundance and generosity. It is easy to be anxious as we watch the stock market or headlines, but we are called to remember that God is calling us to a bigger story than our own. That story is one of generosity, because generosity is ultimately an expression of love. May we continue to grow as generous disciples of Christ.
Gratefully,
Rev. Kristin Stroble
A Stewardship Prayer
Great One, for you the floods clap, for you the hills sing. You know my situation better than anyone. Take my credits and debits, ins and outs, pluses and minuses, surpluses and lacks, and show me how to use them to join the great chorus of Creation. Amen.
