SsAM stewardship testimonial given on Sunday morning, October 9, 2022 by John Goodill, MD.
Good morning!
My name is John Goodill. My wife Sherry and I have been members here at SsAM for the last 10 years. We love it here for so many reasons. I would like to share a few words about SsAM with you this morning.
In my comments this morning I want to focus on two things (and they are related) —
Connectedness and Community.
I really love the Season of Creation because it is such a strong reminder that we are all connected to each other; to our beautiful world and universe and to the Creator. It really is a central aspect of my spirituality. The naturalist John Muir once said “When one tugs at a single thing in Nature, she or he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
Community is another reason Sherry and I are here. It feels like home.
- I believe in the courageous act of two different groups coming together over 25 yrs ago to make one diverse, inclusive and welcoming congregation. There is something special here. We are an example to others.
- I believe in the way we do worship here. With the music, drumming circle, liturgy such as Season of Creation, Carnival Sunday in addition to the usual Christmas and Easter fanfare. Nothing boring or stale here.
- I believe in our ministries for community outreach like the new “Meet the Need” ministry, the new Health and Wellness ministry, and our support for groups like Friendship House.
We support each other and have done fun things together in the past like Fun Fest, bake sales and youth events. While the Pandemic put a damper on things for a period of time I feel we are coming out of that time and are about to do new things. And, of course, there is the anticipation of a new rector and what that might bring.
One more thing.
For a community to grow and flourish it must have participation by most of its members. One gets out of a community what one puts into it. One of the central goals for this year’s stewardship campaign is for 100% participation with participation being defined broadly, not just in financial terms.
Another quote, this one from John Jay Jackson, Jr. “There can be no stewardship without stewards.” Fairly simple.
For all these reasons and more, I want to support SsAM by renewing my pledge this year. It will not be just a financial commitment but also a commitment to participate in the activities of this community in whatever way I can to help it realize its mission and dream of being a “Beloved Community”.
Please, Let us go forward, together.
Thank you!
—John Goodill
As of January 27, 2023 …
… 116 pledges had been made for 2023, two more than our goal, which was to equal the number made the previous year. To make a pledge, click here.
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Our stewardship campaign ends on November 20, 2022.
