Annual Appeal Letter from the Rector

Oct 20, 2021 | Clergy Corner

Oct. 21
Dear St. Paul’s Family,

Energy and morale are high around St. Paul’s these days.  There is excitement in the air as we continue to celebrate and give praise to the living God through our robust Sunday liturgies, the ministry of hospitality and welcome, and commitment to our community.  Because of God’s Grace and a whole lot of elbow grease, there is much to celebrate!

You, the faithful parishioners of St. Paul’s, are participating in the work of transformation.  Your generous offering of time, talent, and treasure is making a difference.

The pandemic has taught us that how things used to be is no longer reality; and although we are slowly returning to normal, “it” will never be the same as it was.   However, the possibilities are endless as we look forward into God’s future for us. Our ministries are evolving as the COVID crisis has forced us into new ways of being together.  The livestream has broadened our evangelistic and pastoral reach, serving as a jubilant messenger and a spiritual lifeline for the many faithful who are unable to join us in person. Hospitality ministries have adapted to provide the possibility of meeting for Coffee Hour in the Rectory Garden. Our new Parish Administrator is greeting you on the phone and in the office with a smile.   Interest in Christian Formation of all ages is growing.  The strategic plan is moving forward as we work towards realizing our vision for the future of St. Paul’s physical, financial, and human resources.  Transformation is all around us, and it requires our active and generous participation.

As your Rector, I envision building upon the solid foundation already laid.  I am still new, but I am sure you can already tell I wasn’t called to St. Paul’s to dilly dally.  We are going to work.  That requires our time, our God given gifts, and our money.

St. Augustine of Hippo once said, “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.”  We have a role to play in our own transformation, the transformation of our faith community, and the transformation of the world.  We are made in the image of God the Giver, who in Christ, generously offered himself for the sake of the world.   We too, out of praise and thanksgiving for this mighty act of generosity, are called to be generous in our own giving.

With your generous contribution, the possibilities at St. Paul’s are endless.  Remember.  Without God, we cannot.  Without us, God will not.

For your prayerful consideration, we have provided two ways to submit your pledge. You may print out a pledge card to complete at home or you may submit your pledge online.

Faithfully,
Caleb +