You are on page 1of 2

e Church of

ST. JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA

Dear Friends,

Last year the theme of our stewardship campaign was Abounding Grace. I believe that this theme carried over in a number ways in the life of our congregation and that we have truly experienced Gods abundant grace in the life of this community. In considering possible themes for this years campaign, it occurred to me that an appropriate theme would be one that built upon our understanding of Gods abundant grace as ever present with us, while expanding our reection on what this grace makes possible. With this in mind the idea of Abiding in Christ seemed appropriate. In times of hardship and tragedy our dependence upon Christ and our need to nd our strength in God becomes apparent. But while our dependence upon God may be keenly felt at such times, this is only a revelation of our constant state of dependence, and our call to abide with and to be thankful to God. Every day I read statistics that highlight the nancial difculties that many in our communities face. More importantly, I frequently hear from people in our community or congregation who are facing trying times. In the midst of what could easily be a bleak time, I am continually encouraged by the number of people who are recognizing their dependence upon God and who are learning every day to appreciate the blessings they have, especially the priceless blessings of family, friends and honest work (whether that work is at a job or in caring for ones family). Day in and day out I nd reasons to give thanks for the generosity of Gods people, in particular, the people of St. Joseph of Arimathea. This congregation has displayed generosity in so many ways over the past year, and people have spread the blessings God has given in ways large and small in this community and beyond. Because of your generosity we have been able to focus on developing the ministries and outreach of this congregation, and God willing, this focus will only grow in 2012. As I wrote last year, the community of St. Joseph of Arimathea is included among Gods blessings to us. It is the time of the year when we consider the call to be good stewards of this blessing. While this is an endeavor to ascertain support for the ongoing
103 Country Club Dr. Hendersonville, TN 37075 T: 615-824-2910 | F: 615-824-3135 | stjosephofarimathea.org

ministries of St. Joseph of Arimathea in 2012, we pray that it will be much more than that. As you prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to support St. Josephs in the coming year, remember that your pledge may include time commitments, monetary giving or other forms of support. Once again, we have set the goal of 100% household participation in our stewardship campaign. We rmly believe that this is achievable because everyone asked to conrm a commitment to this community that is already present and observable in so many ways. In times of economic hardship it can be especially difcult to consider the ongoing needs of a parish for support from the members of the congregation. At the same time, I know that we are all proud of this congregation and that we are thankful for this community, the support and care it provides to those in need, whether members or our neighbors. Thankfully, our faith is such that we are not obliged to make our decisions from an attitude of scarcity. We serve the creator of the universe, the God who reminds us that he owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). There is nothing that we can give God that does not already belong to him. Remember that stewardship is not about Gods needs, but ours. Our need to give and to share, to instill the habits of generosity, to trust in Gods provision and his abundant grace and nally, to learn what it means to abide in Christ at all times. Our faithful response, in gratitude for Gods grace, is to be givers and creators ourselves. We are all called to commit ourselves to deepening our faith, and learning together what it means to abide in Christ and to discover the truth of Christs audacious promise to ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment, support and generosity.

In Christ,

You might also like