Stewardship in 2018

“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:17-18).

Dear Members and Friends of Christ Church,

As we move into our season of stewardship, I’d like to highlight the blessings of the past year, as well as share a vision for 2018. First, however, I’d like to remind us of our congregational vision, which is making mature disciples of Jesus that seek God’s kingdom in our city and wherever God leads us. We do that through worship, Christian formation, and opportunities for tangible service, all in the context of community marked by relationships of love and trust.

Over the past year, we have experienced much blessing as a congregation. We’ve continued to add new members, and, thankfully, many have connected with Christ Church in meaningful ways. We have continued to increase our outreach giving, thus supporting many local, national, and international ministries, and, through the effort of a working group on local outreach, we have begun a partnership with a local school, and we continue to explore ways of working with newly arrived refugees. Also, our partnership with Lemonade International in Guatemala City continues to develop. John Laffoon has been doing an excellent job with the youth ministry since his arrival in February. He has developed a great team of leaders, and both the Jr. High and High School youth groups have seen opportunities for growth and service. Through our many volunteers, our capacity for pastoral care continues to grow, and, in many cases, we’ve seen people experience healing—physically, spiritually, and relationally. Also, through our participation in the life of our deanery and diocese, we are helping the Anglican Church play its unique part in the flourishing of God’s kingdom throughout the state and region. I’m so thankful that many of us were able to participate in our parish retreat, during which we were challenged to integrate our inner journey with Jesus with our outward journey of service to the world. Finally, we are celebrating ten years as a congregation this fall, during which time we’ve seen God do amazing things in so many lives.

As we think and pray about our life together in 2018, there are several pressing items as we continue to grow and develop as a congregation. First, Megan Comstock will be transitioning out of her role in children’s ministry next year as she prepares for a new career in occupational therapy. Thus, we need to hire someone for that key role. Also, we need to continue to increase our capacity to help our members connect, specifically in small groups that gather for prayer, study, and service. Finally, we continue to see individuals from Christ Church called to ordained ministry. Thus, we need to devote resources to support these men and women in their formation as leaders for the church.

Going forward, please begin to pray about how God might be leading you to participate in the life and ministry of Christ Church. In addition to regular worship, we have many opportunities for formation and service: Bible studies, small groups, volunteer ministries on Sunday mornings or during the week, and groups that meet for various outreach opportunities.

Finally, please pray specifically about your level of financial giving. How we use our material resources is a crucial aspect of our call to discipleship. We have several very helpful resources on biblical stewardship that I’d like everyone to have. For the past couple of years, we distributed CDs with a stewardship teaching by our first bishop, John Guernsey. If you didn’t receive one, please let us know and we’d be happy to give you one. Alternatively, you can also find the teaching on our website under “Resources.” I’d like to encourage everyone to listen to a sermon on stewardship by Tim Keller entitled, “Treasure vs. Money.” Also on our website, you’ll find links to Bp. John’s “Biblical Stewardship Principles,” and a Bible study from Tim Keller on stewardship.

Please take time to listen and read. I believe that as we do, we will become more and more aware of God’s goodness and love, and experience the freedom to give, as St. Paul exhorted the Corinthians: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).

Please take time over the next couple of weeks to think and pray about how God might be calling you to participate in the life and ministry of Christ Church in 2018. Please fill out your 2018 pledge card and prepare to submit it on November 19, which will be “Commitment Sunday” for us. God has been good to us at Christ Church, and as we continue to commit ourselves to him with grateful hearts, I believe that we will see even “greater things than these” (John 14:12).

Peace,

Chris