10/6/2024 —
My name is John Goodill. I am a member of the stewardship committee. My wife, Sherry, and I have been members here at SsAM since 2012.
This is the start of our Season of Creation, a wonderful time here at SsAM. It is also the start of our annual pledge drive which will run until Nov 24 in concert with the Season of Creation. You should have received a pledge letter outlining all of this.
We are trying to have at least one testimonial every week during our pledge drive for 2025. I have volunteered to start us off.
My thoughts about SsAM start with community.
It is most important to me to be part of a community that is diverse and inclusive. I think Malcolm X said that the most segregated time of the week in America was Sunday morning. I do not want to be part of that. SsAM is a community focused on social justice and caring for our neighbors. That aligns with my values. It is a community with a unique history we can all be proud of.
I also like the way the message of the gospel preached here at SsAM is connected to present day life and current world events. To me, ‘walking in love’ must be more than words; it must be tied to action. One must live one’s faith for it to be authentic. That opportunity is present here a SsAM. For me it is participating in the peace walk on the first Friday of the month; contributing to the health and wellness ministry and its association with the healing tree ministry and contributing to the good work of the community advocacy or ‘meet the need’ ministry. There is so much more we do here at SsAM to help make our world, both local and wider, a better place.
I would be remiss to not mention our music and liturgy which are beautiful examples of the creativity, artistry and talent in our community. They are consistently inspiring and a joy to experience.
I will be pledging again this year to support the Community and programs here at SsAM. I hope you will join me.
Sincerely,
John Goodill, chair, SsAM Stewardship Committee
LINKS
Pledge Thermometer
