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Dear Friends

Have you heard a Christmas carol yet?  They’re coming any day now.

Each year, Merrie and I notice when our neighbor puts the inflatable witch and pumpkin on their roof.  It just happened, so I guess the holiday season has officially arrived!   The witch will be replaced with an inflatable turkey, then Santa and sleigh, then cupid and heart.  I can’t remember if the last one is an inflatable St. Patrick or an inflatable mother for Mothers’ Day.  In any case, we’re prepared for several months of holiday inflatables.

Many of us just can’t wait for the holidays.  These celebrations and decorations are important to us, because we need a special time and a focus on something to celebrate!

As we begin our Stewardship Campaign for 2017, we lift up and celebrate “Generous Gratitude.”  Ever since our founding 62 years ago, St. Mark’s has been blessed by many, many faithful, courageous and generous stewards.  As we now face the difficult challenge of being a real, vital, and growing 21st-century ministry, we have a balanced budget, a very well-managed Foundation, and no debt.

It really is amazing that we have been left such a strong legacy, not just in finances, but also in gracious, outreaching spirit and in loving faithfulness.  This is an extraordinary faith community, and we are uniquely situated to both secure the future of our facility and to continue to expand our efforts in missions and ministry.

Over the next four Sundays, we will hear from members, friends, and staff of St. Mark’s on the theme of “Generous Gratitude.” Each has come to this community in a very particular way, and each brings a unique perspective and different gifts to our work together.  And each understands the power and importance of our mission to “inspire the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ, so that all may experience God’s life-giving love.”

As we undertake our stewardship campaign, we look ahead to 2017 and beyond with anticipation and expectancy.  And we remember these words from Bishop Minerva Carcaño:

“Be unafraid to tackle human sin and injustice, in the knowledge that the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus Christ our Lord are at work through you every time you step out in faithfulness to him. Set aside all doubt that you can indeed transform the world.”

See you in church!

Craig
Copyright © 2016 St. Mark's United Methodist Church, San Diego, All rights reserved.


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