Saint Monica's Episcopal Church
Messenger
October 2014
Walking the way to generosity We are delighted that you have found a spiritual home here at St. Monica’s. We are blessed to share together our walk in Christ. On Sunday, October 5th, we will embark on a six-week annual giving campaign: Walking the Way. You will hear how the practice of giving is essential to following the Way of Jesus. The 2014 Stewardship Narrative Series, Walking the Way, is designed to complement and support our annual giving campaign. This year, eight contributing writers serve as our companions and guides, exploring principles and practices that help us to embrace the Way of Jesus in regard to giving and generosity. Early Christians were known as the People of The Way. They were recognized for their love of their neighbor, fellowship in the breaking of bread, and their commitment to follow the life and practice of Jesus. The Apostle Paul confessed to worship God according to The Way (Acts 24:14). Jesus shows us that the way to life abundant is through the practices of prayer, forgiveness, giving, and unconditional positive regard and respect to all, especially to those who live on the margins of society. Jesus shows us The Way into the heart of God. The purpose of pilgrimage is to journey to the unfamiliar to find new life in Christ. On pilgrimage, you only carry what you need. On pilgrimage, you stay focused on the necessities of life: food, water, physical health, a place to sleep, the hospitality and kindness of others. On pilgrimage, you learn to give and receive in gratitude, recognizing that what is given comes from the provision and grace of God. On a pilgrimage, a deep trust in God emerges and
Our Staff & Vestry Vestry: Chuck Barnett - Senior Warden, Dan Ferguson- Junior Warden, Ann Philen, Bill Ramsey, Melanie Velaski, Beth Woods, Linda Aligood, Tom Chaapel, Frank Murphy Carol Farrel - Treasurer Viv Welch—Clerk of the Vestry Twinette McDonald - Music Director Sally Putters - Parish Nurse
permeates the journey. How can we bring the pilgrimage experience to our day-to-day living? How does the spiritual practice of giving shape us into being a People of the Way? We hope that you will use this series to embrace the Way of Jesus through the spiritual practice of giving. Our ministries here at St Monica’s have life and give life through the generosity of all our members. Each week, we are nurtured in word and sacrament, we care for those who are ill and grieving, and welcome all searching for a connection to God and community. At St. Monica’s our vision to build God’s reign is funded entirely by the generosity of financial commitments from our worshipping community. While giving levels vary in the congregation, what is important is that we are asked to make a gift that reflects our love for God and for one another. The life of faith is a journey we make together, not a solo expedition. The annual giving campaign is a time set aside to reflect on how this community has nurtured you and your family in the walk of faith. It is a time set aside to reflect on how the practice of intentional giving deepens your walk with Christ. We are a pilgrim people, meaning together we strive and support one another in taking on the mind of Christ. Jesus called himself “the Way.” A popular refrain that is said on the pilgrims’ journey is “the Way is made by walking.” Transformation comes through practice. When you receive your 2015 pledge commitment card, we invite you to pray these words — the way is made by walking — over the next six weeks and see how the Holy Spirit calls you to follow the Way of Jesus through giving. If you are not sure where to start in considering your pledge commitment, you may want to compare other financial commitments you make to what you pledge to your faith community. For instance, consider what you might spend on dining out for a year versus your gift to the church. Know that God’s blessing will be upon your prayerful decision and will further God’s vision through the community of faithful of St. Monica’s. We give thanks to have travelling companions in you as we walk the Way of Jesus.