2018 Stewardship Campaign
September 10 - October 15
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
“Our Basket Overflows” - A basket may seem like an unlikely choice for a Stewardship Campaign theme. However, the r
ole of baskets as a means of gathering, whether hopes and dreams, a bountiful harvest or contributions, is ancient. The references to baskets in the Bible are numerous. For example, Deuteronomy 26:2-4…
…that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground which you bring in from your land that the LORD your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place where the LORD your God chooses to establish His name. “You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time and say to him, ‘I declare this day to the LORD my God that I have entered the land which the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.’ ” Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God.
Think of the basket that carried Moses to safety. Moses baskets have sheltered infants for centuries. Think of early farmers gathering the harvest by hand into baskets. Think of the Thanksgiving cornucopia holding the bounty our ancestors found, hoped for and shared in our country. Think of the collection “plate” we pass every Sunday at St. Martin’s. Baskets hold what we have, what we share and our wishes for the future.
All things come from God, and we are called upon to use our God-given gifts in service of others. So we stand before our St. Martin’s community again this year, empty basket in hand, asking for you to fill it with your time, talent and treasure. For your time – we are asking everyone to review the included Ministry List and contemplate in what capacity you can serve St. Martin’s. For your talents – we are asking you think about what you can offer that another member of our community may not. For your treasure – we are asking that you reflect upon your ability to contribute financially. We all have different abilities to support each other, St. Martin’s and the broader community. We are not called to serve in all ways, all the time. However, we are called to serve. We are a well-rounded faith community that is all the stronger for our diversity of contributions.
St. Martin’s has grown significantly in recent years. Our leadership has been responsible and cautious with our financial contributions and many individuals have stepped up in their volunteer activities. As we move toward calling a new rector, the stability of our church will be crucial. Making a commitment of time, talent or treasure now will give us the ability to effectively and accurately plan for an even brighter future in Christ’s light.
Thank you and God’s Peace.
Fr. Bob Hart, Interim Rector
Dana Nelson, Stewardship Chair
