Dear Grace Church Friends,

It has been six months since our new staff members, Patrick Davis and Sarah Teetsel arrived here at Grace Church. Patrick is doing a fantastic job as our music director. He is an excellent organist and, from what the choir members tell me, an excellent choir master. I know many of you enjoy his weekly focus on music in his witness reflections. We give thanks to God for leading him and Sarah here to serve with us. Thanks go out to all of you as well because it is you who responded to the need and raised your pledges to allow for the hire of a lay ministry assistant. Sarah has proven to be an outstanding member of our staff and ministry team.

While Patrick’s performance is very audible and visible to all of you, Sarah’s work with us is largely behind the scenes. Let me describe some of what she does that is so valuable to us. When she was hired, almost simultaneously, the process for licensing in the Diocese for various ministry roles was changed. She has worked diligently and has by early September received licenses as Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, Lay Worship Leader and Lay Preacher. She has laudable computer skills that assist us with all our communications and administrative necessities with the Diocese and beyond. She assists the rector with worship leadership in the chapel and at RW-C. She assists with the Pastoral Oversight Committee, with preparation of meeting agendas and with volunteer scheduling. Her work with us allows the rector more time for visits and developing sermons. Most of all, she is getting to know all of you. I know Game Night is one of the programs that she has initiated to get to know you. It is a lot of fun, and I encourage you to attend Game Night at least once so that you can get to know her.

Last year you were asked to increase your pledge to be matched, up to $30,000. This year our stewardship campaign does not have the advantage of an anonymous match. To make up for that $30,000 that we will be missing, I invite you to increase your pledge amount by $300. If everyone who pledges does that, we will be able to raise that amount easily. Thank you for considering that option.

In this stewardship season, we are facing a year of transition. Transitions mean change and I realize that change is hard for some of you. But in this case, we are also entering a year of tremendous possibility. Grace Church is poised to flourish. We have a staff that is the envy of all the churches in the region. The lay leadership on our Vestry and committees is exceptional. The church is on very sound footing financially. But each year, in order to balanced operating budget, we must ask each member of our church to reach deep inside yourselves and consider how much value you place on Grace Church being able to fulfill its ministry – to you and to the community. The value of your participation in that process is beyond measure.

I pray that each of you will take your pledge to Grace Church very seriously and increase your pledge over last year’s pledge by $300 or more. God has blessed us with so much. Let us bless God with a valuable part of ourselves, our souls and our bodies.

The peace of the Lord be always with you,

Kim+

Dear Grace Church Friends,

As an extension of what Kim+ has said in her letter, I would like to discuss other areas of stewardship.

The three primary concerns of stewardship are colloquially referred to as “time, talent, and treasure.” The “treasure” portion of stewardship relates to the financial commitment and security for the coming year. In my letter, I would like to discuss the “time and talent” portion. “Time and talent” refers to a commitment of oneself, of your own energy, and using your God-given gifts, abilities, and interests. In offering our time and talent, we are following Jesus’s command to “render to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 23:21). 

This coming year may bring new opportunities to Grace’s ministries when Kim retires. As we look toward that time, I encourage our Grace community to engage with one another. For a long time, both Parish Visitors and Eucharistic Visitors have only had a few very dedicated volunteers, and both ministries are experiencing an increasing number of people to visit. I ask you to recommit to checking on friends who may be more homebound. Together, we can support one another.

I also encourage you to review the Ministry Slideshow, available by physical handout, in the e-Times, or on our Church website. Prayerfully consider what new ministry (or ministries) you may want to explore. All our ministries rely on lay volunteers like you! I am also happy to talk with you if you are not sure what you are able to give in terms of time or talent, and together, we may discern where God is calling you.

During this stewardship season, please consider all the ways you can support Grace Church: with physical assistance and presence, financial support, or volunteering. Together, we are the church!

In Christ,
Sarah Teetsel
Lay Ministry Assistant