I have learned from conversations with farmers that though they certainly work hard at creating conditions for things to blossom and grow into something worthy of harvesting and gathering, what is never guaranteed is that the hard work and sacrifices will actually lead to something that is worthy of gathering. With farming there is something that (I believe) miraculously occurs; something heavenly that happens, which meets all that hard work and thus a worthy harvest is produced.
This is also true with the Church, stewardship and the offering of gifts. These things miraculously allow the Church to witness to and point towards God's love in the world. The gifts blossom and grow, and become a blessing for others through His grace and miraculous touch. Yet still, We are the Church, and we are called to sacrifice. This includes the offering of ourselves, time, treasures, and our talent. When this happens, as it has so amazingly happened this year at St. Thomas, it is indeed a moment worthy of celebration.
The Stewardship Committee and others dreamed of what a successful campaign could look like, and then invited St. Thomas to make those dreams a reality. Quite wonderfully, we all responded to that invitation and the impactful matching gift invitation and did it. Because of our commitments, St. Thomas has not just met, but exceeded our 2022 goals! Our lay leaders and volunteers committed to more than 500 minutes of time and talent and our treasures surpassed our goal landing at $517,704 in pledges.
As your new Rector, as one joining alongside you in ministry, this is an incredible way to begin this new year and this new life together.
To those on the Stewardship Committee, Rich Woodward, Jim and Linda Harris, John Schuessler, George Richardson, Leslie Seipp, thank you for your creativity and courage to dream bigger than St. Thomas ever has.
And thank you, St. Thomas, for pledging with such hospitality and generosity. It is because of you, along with the grace of God, that St. Thomas flourishes.
Blessings,
Rev. Korey +
