Padre's Ponderings : November 2024
We are in the midst of our fall pledge drive. Why do I use the words, ‘pledge drive’ instead of stewardship drive or season? As followers of the Risen Christ, stewardship is a way of living. For Jesus’ followers, stewardship is as fundamental as the air we breathe, the food & water that nourishes us, and for some, our morning cup of coffee. Stewardship is about tending to creation in our everyday lives, from the way we take care of our physical and spiritual beings to the way we tend to and care for others, our immediate surroundings, and the circles of life and love radiating from our heart center.
We are asking you to consider your pledge as a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Your pledge is critical for a few reasons. For starters, you are expressing your commitment to spreading God’s love through your engagement with St. John’s. If you consider yourself a member of St. John’s my hope is that you prayerfully pledge. Why? We give of our time and money to things that matter to us. I love serving as St. John’s rector and am thrilled to serve in this capacity as your priest and pastor. I don’t want a pat on the back, but my wife and I pledge to St. John’s because we’re thankful for God’s unconditional love expressed through St. John’s ministries. I simply want you to know we are committed to you.
I understand that everyone’s personal finances are different, and well, personal. My spouse and I entered a new phase of life where we get to pay for our sons’ four years in college and a home mortgage. I am quite grateful and overjoyed my children get to attend college, and that we were able to find a lovely home within our means. I recognize many are on fixed income. Some have quiet modest means while others are overflowing with resources. And still, we give to what matters to us.
The other reason pledging is important is that we need your help. St. John’s is only able to fund ministries with the resources provided. Yes, I recognize we have some endowments. Endowments are fantastic, and we want to be wise stewards of them, too. It would be incredible to have an assistant or associate again. Our pledging needs to grow in order for us to continue growing and expanding together.
St. John’s is full of potential. I mean that with every fiber of my being. I believe in Jesus’ unconditional love, and I believe in St. John’s, too. One way churches express their overall health is through their giving. I pray we’re able to express how hopeful and healthy St. John’s is through our pledge drive this year. I can’t wait to celebrate our gifts given in love together on Ingathering Sunday, November 10, 2024 during our 10:30 worship and our celebratory coffee hour.
I can’t wait to see you in the pews and on the streets of Charleston, WV!
In God’s Grace,
Eric L. Miller+
