Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2, NRSV

Dear Friends,

As we prepare for our annual Stewardship Campaign, I am writing to invite you into prayer about the journey you make with our congregation – our spiritual home. We are companions for each other as we navigate the ups and downs of our shared lives. It is a walk of love that we make with each other.

Throughout this year I have been inspired by the ways you accompany each other. I have witnessed the way you care for the sick and shut-ins in our congregation. I have eaten at the table with you as you share your recipes and efforts for our community meals and potlucks. I have watched as you supported each other when you were struggling or needed a hand or a shoulder. You have helped me when I needed it. This is what it means to be in community with each other – this is what walking in love looks like.

We have so many gifts to share here, gifts of time, talent, and treasure that we freely give to support our ministry and to do the work of mission in our community. We do this not out of a sense that we will get back what we give, but because we are motivated by love. When Paul wrote to his friends in the Church at Ephesus, he reminded them that the very spark of love that founded their community of faith was one of giving. God showed God’s love for humanity by giving us a part of the Divine.

Certainly this is what we do when we place our gifts on the altar – we bring our whole selves and share the best part of our love and labor. As you consider what you will share with the Church this year, I invite you to give thanks for the many people who have walked with you in love, supported you in your faith, and share their gifts with you.

Walking with you in Love,

Steven J. Knoll

Senior Warden