September 2, 2022
Dear Church,
Summer has come and summer is going. Already, stores have Fall decorations out, Pumpkin Lattes are back at Starbucks, and Halloween candy fills the aisles. We are almost toward the end of the year. Wow, time flies when you are doing ministry and mission. We know that your congregation has been faithful to its witness in the lives of your community and our synod. We are grateful for the ways you shape lives and do ministry in the world around you. Having that confidence, our purpose is to continue our strong stewardship through your mission support. Every congregation that supports the Synod's work enables us to do more, serve more and give more.
We are committed to our mission to equip, empower and engage people with God’s love. To that end, we work to be present in congregations throughout our synod in crisis and celebration, assist rostered leaders and lay leaders, support new ministries, engage in disaster response, and lead initiatives on diversity and justice. Our work is directly connected to your support. We are in this together and simply invite you to continue your intended support.
While we are halfway through the year, we still have a full slate of missional opportunities and ministry projects to complete. Your support makes this happen. There is a quote about generosity by Jonathan Maberry that says, “Generosity could be as contagious as the zombie plague as long as enough people were willing to be carriers.” We are not zombies; we are saints and citizens of the kingdom. How might we be carriers of the Good News of Jesus even more, through our giving and our stewardship this season? Our encouragement is that we, together, tell the story in every part of our synod with your help.
There are several ways you can send support to the Synod. You can send via mail or website. We are thankful for your support and are available to visit your congregation upon request. We would love to come and take part in the work you are doing in your congregation. Our joy is in our mutual work to support one another.
You may also make statement of intent for your 2023 generosity by filling out the form below!
Blessings,
Pastor Jonathan Hemphill, Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Life
Stewardship Team