FR. DAVID’S BLOG OF 10/23/2020: This week I wish to hold up the work of Patty Greene in her role as a vestry member and leading our stewardship effort for this year — All Things In Love.
When Patty and I met this summer, one of my major concerns was how to communicate the importance of stewardship during a worldwide pandemic. I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a horrible year and that we are ready to say good-bye to it. Besides the viral pandemic, as a country we have had to confront the effects of racism across the country beginning with the killing by police of Breonna Taylor last winter and George Floyd in May. There are others who have died or have been critically injured as a result of police violence. White Americans have been forced to confront their own racism and implicit bias toward people of color. As a country we have a long way to go.
How do we as a community of faith proclaim that God is love? That Jesus embodied this love during his life? That this work continues in the work of the Holy Spirit in each one of us?
We are to love even when we don’t want too. The way in which I love when I don’t feel much like loving is through the power of daily prayer. Each morning when I read the appointed psalms and read the lessons from scripture, I am reminded that I am not the center of the universe. I am reminded that God guides me through the day even during those times I resist opening myself to the loving presence of God. Love heals all things, but it takes time and faith that God stands with us even at those moments when we don’t feel like loving ourselves or others.
This has been a difficult year for all of us. The stress and the anxiety at times has been unbearable and our faith has been tested. There are more questions then there are answers: when will we regather on Sunday morning? How will we afford to continue offering transformational Sunday worship and programs that support our daily walk with Christ? How do we welcome new folks into the parish when we are not able to gather? These are just a few of the questions that I have, and I know there are others. My initial answer is that we see all things in love, even the challenges we are faced with as we say farewell to 2020 and welcome 2021.
When Patty and I met this summer, I asked her how we were going to even have a stewardship campaign during a pandemic. Patty shared with me her idea about having two stewardship webinars. One focused on the state of SsAM and the other on outreach and communication. These events occurred the last two weeks and if you were not able to attend each was recorded so you might listen to them.
The two Stewardship Webinars of October, 2020 can be seen here.
The passcodes for these webinars were in the email blast to members on Friday, October 23. You can also get the passcodes by calling or texting Danny Schweers at 302 475-0998. Here are the links to the two webinars.
October 12, 2020 Stewardship Webinar about the State of SsAM
This conversation is with Fr. David, Rachel Gaskell, and Peggy Shane, and is moderated by Michelle Smith.
October 20, 2020 Stewardship Webinar about Outreach and Communication.
Alice Smith talks about supporting charities, Anthony Jones talks about Friendship House, and Danny Schweers talks about communication and community, with Michelle Smith moderating.
At the conclusion of the second webinar this past Tuesday night, one of the panelists, Anthony Jones, concluded his remarks by telling a story of folks who are homeless and come to SsAM regularly for the assistance offered by Friendship House. Anthony said that when he sees these folks, many of them point to SsAM as their church. That is love in action, friends!
As you prayerfully consider your pledge to SsAM for the coming year I invite you to do so in the spirit of love. The love of God in your lives, the love you have for this parish and all that the parish does for the community. As you complete your pledge consider also the ways you can give of your time and talent along with your financial offering. I have said many times we are in this together and we will face the challenges we face together … IN LOVE.
Peace,
Fr. David+,OA
