More Than Enough: 2023 Stewardship Letter
Everyone ate until they were full, and the disciples filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. Luke 9.17
As we continue our journey through these unusual years, we know the holiness of growing as disciples of Jesus, and we feel the lingering frustration of not connecting in the ways we used to. When we consider what God desires, what we have, and how God encourages us, we see that there is now, and always has been, More Than Enough. It is time to ask again for your annual financial commitment to the mission of Christ Church. Because of you, we share sacred compassion and loving-kindness in more wonderful ways than we may ever know.
One of the most fruitful occasions of having more than enough was the wonder of the loaves and fishes. It is the only wonder (sometimes called miracles) that is shared in all four Gospels. It is a basket full of lessons about sharing, abundance, and the sacrament of communion; it also shows the fractured parts of ourselves that can be slow to act, and/or cynical. I suspect that many were fed that day who had no idea about the generosity of God that was put on display, so too with much of the life of Jesus’ disciples ever since.
Many who read this have been pledgers for a long time. Thank you. Others have given regularly but haven’t made the pledge commitment. Thank you too for your offering. A pledge could be equated with a subscription, but it is more than that. It is a promise of trust placed in the loving hands of Jesus. Each household has had its own experience of the pandemic, and this year’s turbulent market and inflation are hard on many of us. At CCRP we are blessed with the baskets from the planned giving of generations past, and we also know that the state of the market will reduce what comes from that abundance in 2023. To continue to adapt and shine as a living witness of God’s love we need your help. We ask that our continuing pledgers continue and consider a proportional increase. And we ask that more of our regular givers embark on the promise of pledging. God will work with whatever we give. Pledging is a promise, an act of faith, and a duty of cooperation; and know that we also know that sometimes we all encounter financial surprises. If that happens, let us know.
Thank you for all the times you have shown up in whatever way you can, all the times you step up to act with love and mercy, even when it is hard. Stewardship isn’t just funding, it is all that we do after we say ‘we believe’. Every offer of wealth, works, and wisdom is used by God to become more than enough, to be a wonder that changes the world. Your promise is essential to fulfilling the mission God has given CCRP. We ask that you pray with us as we enter our annual stewardship season, and consider your part in the baskets God will work wonders with.
Trusting in More than Enough,
Rev’d Jane Gober