Dear People of Grace,
The other day I went through my office and gathered up stacks of old minutes and letters from as far back as the 1890s that we will organize for our upcoming Bicentennial Celebration. We are beginning the process of focusing on key aspects of our story as a parish, and I have loved following threads through the decades. As well, couple weeks ago, we did tours throughout the campus for those who are newer, and it was wonderful to highlight parts of the parish’s story. Those who are newer to the community can now see themselves as part of the story, because it is our common story.
One key thread that connects every element of our story is gratitude. We have a great deal to be grateful for, and that has become a central practice in my life here with you. We have experienced a lot together in my time as your rector, and the parish has seen such growth and life throughout its entire 197 year history. Through it all, we have experienced the Spirit guiding us toward wholeness. Our life together is a constant reminder of what is possible, and I am grateful for that.
This year’s stewardship focus is on gratitude. Honestly, each year’s focus is grounded in gratitude, but for these next couple years, we thought it made sense to be intentional about how we orient ourselves as the Body of Christ in this particular part of the world. God calls us to offer ourselves, “our souls and our bodies” as the Eucharistic Prayer says, and our offering nurtures our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.
I invite you to pay extra attention in these days to how the Spirit of Christ is challenging us to share our gifts. There is so much in the world that may confuse or concern us, but I am always reminded that God is trustworthy, and that our common life as a community can offer hope and healing. I will be forever thankful for that reminder.
For this year’s stewardship campaign, a pledge form will be mailed to member households and extra copies made available at church. You can also complete your pledge online if you would prefer. Above all, let me close this letter by saying thank you for your presence here—and thanks be to God for the blessings of our lives.
The Rev. Dr. Stuart Higginbotham
Rector