Deans' Note October 31, 2021

Throughout the Episcopal Church, fall is stewardship season. As we say that our minds may automatically jump to money and what part of our charitable gifts we share with our church. While there is some truth in that, Christian stewardship is not simply about making an annual pledge as we might make to our local public radio station.

When we talk about stewardship, we start with God. That's why our theme this year comes from the Letter of James: "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 of change"(James 1:17). James reminds us not only that everything we have already comes from the source of life and light, but the gifts of generosity we make reflect our identity as children of a God who shares abundantly with us.

Financial stewardship is one aspect of a lifestyle based on abundance, thanksgiving and generosity. If our life is based on scarcity -- that we either don't have enough or believe that others around us want to take what we have, then we will carry that mindset into the way we address our finances. If we believe that life is a gift and that what we have is a blessing then we will want to be a blessing to those around us.

On All Saints Sunday, we will kick off our stewardship campaign. We will gather after the service for a festive All Saints brunch and have a brief talk by parishioner Rick Nordin -- someone who really can witness to the power of abundant giving in his life. We would love everyone in our community to join us that day for the 10:00 am service and the brunch. Please RSVP to the office so we can know how many to plan for.

All Saints is a day when we remember that we are not alone; we are part of a fellowship of other Christians who have gone before and those who will come after us. Our financial pledges in faith not only provide for ministry today, but we give in faith for the saints of tomorrow. All the gifts we have, those we share with others, especially to extend the love and generosity of God in our community, are sent from a loving God who shares abundantly with all of us.