In one of Henry’s Nouwen’s recent mediations, he writes about gratitude, that “the discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.” How refreshing…and challenging to practice gratitude every day!
We want to give a special “shout out” to our staff members Angie and Nicole for their excellent, faithful, and timely tracking and reporting, and to Christine for her faithful support in helping us communicate our Stewardship thanks and information to each of you. We are grateful for them.
And we are grateful for each of you who have contributed gifts totaling $642,632, 40% of our total income budget, that have sustained our church’s ministry and facilities during the first half of 2023. Church programs, staffing, and upkeep are once again in full swing for which we are delighted. That means that we also have incurred expenses totaling $804,965, 49% of our total expense budget. If you can help us close the gap and assist us with cash flow management by accelerating your giving commitments or making a gift, we would be most grateful.
With gratitude,
Your Stewardship Committee
Cheryl Bremer (Elder for Stewardship), Kate Bylsma (Trustee Rep), Scott Jennings, Anita Sukenik, and staff (Rev. Lynette Sparks, Angie Kelley)