August 4, 2011
My dear new sisters and brothers in Christ,
May the God of love and grace continue to bless you as you work in the great Kingdom today, right there where you are.
Thank you for your faithful and generous stewardship! If it wasn’t for that, there would be many things left undone for the Lord in this beautiful land blessed by the Almighty.According to the last financial report I read, I’m not surprised that it is down from where we should be in our number for this time of year, since so many people go on vacations during summer and so forth. But, we should be optimistic that since new things are in store for us in our Synod, the excitement will also help raise our giving.
Most of you don’t know me yet, but I grew up in a tithing family. Since I was very little I remember that it was such an honor, and a privilege to give our offerings, that when I was able to put my little hand into the plate to give, I was so, so proud, I felt God was watching and smiling just as my Mom was. What an honor it was and it is to give.Most of you as faithful congregations have a stewardship vision and plan in place, and that is what makes ministry happen among you, your communities, and among all of us. We, just like you, here at the Synod office, we all are watching for new ways to be more effective, doing more and spending less, evaluating our progress as we are all accountable to each other. At least, that’s what I see in the little time I’ve been here.
I am very excited to be among you, and would love to get to know you and to think of the many ways we can support all those missions that God is already doing and those that God has in store for us.Again, thank you for your generous support and may God bless you!
In Christ’s love,
