2023 Stewardship

2023 Stewardship

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.
Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.
Plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Dear Brothers, Sisters, and loving Friends of St. Margaret’s,

We have to reflect back in time so we can be reminded of the abundance that St. Margaret’s has and continues to receive.

In time travel, the church has gone from supply clergy to interim priest, and finally to a place of more stability with a “priest-in-charge.” Three diocesan grants gave us the opportunity to have a priest, and continue with worship, church ministries, and relationships with one another. We have had three priests journey with us. Father “D” (Ditterline) who was razor focused on our status and welfare. Jane Bender who gave so much in energy, spiritual nurture, and love. We now are so blessed to have Mother Laura Howell, who combines focus, spiritual nurture, pastoral care, energy, and years of leadership and administrative expertise. There is a vestry leadership that continues to be engaged and concerned about the “overall welfare” of St. Margaret’s. There are lay people who come through again and again to worship, fundraise, do ministry, and the physical work of caring for our beloved church and property.

The cited scripture above is well suited for St. Margaret’s: “Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”

Continue to give of your loving time, talent, and treasure. The three ‘Ts” give breath and life to St. Margaret’s. During these continuing hard days of post-pandemic Covid, rising costs, and inflation, the reality is that our financial “giving” is important. Faithfulness to the life of our Episcopal church and fiscal responsibility to church, coexist. The books show that your ongoing awareness of the financial needs of St. Margaret’s is “in the positive accounting” at this time. Continue on, and if “you are able,” to do more … please do. Understandably, this is not possible for all. “All” gifts are received with “great thanksgiving.”

Gratitude for God’s presence and grace, and the many forms of abundance, and caring for our church, one another, and our neighbors, that we share at “St. Margaret’s, The Little Church in the Neighborhood.”

Peace,

Connie Allport