And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Luke 9:16-17, NRSV
Dear Epiphany Community,
Leading our annual stewardship efforts, allows me to witness and reflect on how the power of your gifts fund the mission and ministry of our church for God, our parish, and our community. Because of you, we can share our message of love with many, and this is the greatest gift!
I know that each household has had a different financial experience during the pandemic, and this year's turbulent market and inflation have been challenging for many of us. Even so, I am inspired by the ways you have made, and continue to contribute your time, talent, and treasure to our ministry.
Our stewardship theme this year is Recognizing Abundance, and it comes from the end of Luke's version of the feeding of the five-thousand. Responding to Jesus call, the gathered crowd turns their pockets inside out, shakes out their blankets, rummages through their parcels to find enough to take care of the needs of the community. And what do they realize? That by the miracle of faith and the action of love, there was more than enough, an abundance of leftovers!
Thank you for all that you do for Epiphany. Today I am asking you to consider what you will pledge our community in the coming year to sustain our ministry and to serve our neighbors. Every gift of wealth, works, and wisdom goes toward our ministry, admission, and yours is essential to us. I ask that you pray with us as we launch our gathering of gifts and gratitude, and consider how you will contribute. This letter and a pledge card were sent to your house. You can return the pledge the gold box at the church or through the mail. You can also sign up for giving online through the website. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to me or the church office.
In the spirit of love and on behalf of the Stewardship Committee,
John Gibson
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