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All Saints. All Welcome. All Needed.
My dear family in Christ, The “long green” of the Season after Pentecost draws to a close. Soon, we will embark upon a new Church year as we enter the expectant, hopeful season of Advent. This time of year is always a period of liminal space -- we are no longer exactly where we were, but we are not yet where we are going to be. Likewise with our parish -- we are no longer what we once were; we have not yet become what we are going to be. The very definition of liminal space. Liminal spaces and in-between times are sacred. Our central act of worship, the Eucharist, takes place in a timeless space in between the here-and-now of our mortal lives and the eternity of the heavenly banquet that awaits us in the next life. Time spent in between is time spent becoming. Liminal spaces are the places where we are most open and receptive to the life-giving, world-changing presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Such times and spaces can be exciting and magical. But change brings uncertainty, and sometimes it’s hard to remember to trust God through it all. Of course, All Saints has a long-established practice of trusting God through challenging times. The fact that All Saints is still here testifies to that! This year, particularly, I have perceived a genuine sense, a real and inspiring faith, that God is not yet done with us. My dear friends, as we launch this year’s stewardship drive, will you commit to join me in pledging that we, also, are not yet done with God? Remember our theme: All Saints -- All Welcome -- All Needed. These phrases have never been more true. We are All Saints Episcopal Church. We are committed to welcoming all people. And now, more than ever, every single one of us is needed to help realize God’s vision for this parish. The attached pledge card will help you discern just how God is calling you to give of your time, talent, and treasure. My friends, consider altogether your time, your talents, and your money, and you’ll see how great a treasure God has entrusted to our care, for the building up of God’s kingdom in our corner of the world and beyond. Consider as well that God doesn’t need our treasure. It is we who need to give! In order to become a butterfly, the caterpillar must give up its whole self in the liminal space of the cocoon. We can scarcely imagine the wings that God has in store for us on the other side! Peace & blessings, Chistopher+ For information about & options for making your financial contributions, please visit the All Saints Episcopal Church website at: http://www.allsaintsappleton.org/giving-at-all-saints.html “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34) And as you prayerfully explore the many ways in which you can contribute your time and talents to the life and mission of our All Saints community, please consider these areas of opportunity & aspects of our parish life with which we always need your help:
But most of all, what All Saints needs is you! Each of you is a treasure-trove of talents, abilities, knowledge, experience, and interests, blessed with many gifts that God has given you to share for the building up of God’s Kingdom in this particular corner of the world. If you’ve got a notion, concept, or idea that isn’t listed above, please call the office, or message me at [email protected], and let’s make it happen! Comments are closed.
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