Every Member Counts...

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Why do we come to church? Why, as Christians, do we gather together to worship each week? Wouldn't it be easier to say our prayers in the silence and solitude of our homes, to praise God in our bedrooms and sleep in on Sundays?

It would, but from the beginning of Jesus' ministry, he called us to worship in community. He gathered us and sent us, together, to help bring about the coming of his Kingdom.

Perhaps it is because Jesus knew that in community, we are encouraged to go beyond our limits of the past. He knew that in our successes, challenges, and joys, we grow stronger
together than we ever could individually. Think of when you start an exercise regimen. Alone, it is easy to get discouraged or bored and lose heart. But grab a couple of friends to walk with and suddenly you are a team, celebrating and encouraging each other's successes.

It is like that here at Grace, too. Over the last year we have come to realize what an incredible gift the merger with Church of the Messiah was for our community. Each congregation brought talents and skills to offer to our common life. Together, we are stronger and more vibrant than we were as individual parishes. Likewise, as individuals, we bring our best gifts and gratefully offer them to God, knowing that together, we can do so much more than when we are alone.

This year, our stewardship goal is for 100% of the Grace community to pledge time, talent and treasure. Each of us has something to contribute, and we are every one of us asked to fill out a pledge card, young and old alike. Please prayerfully consider your pledge and bring your card with you to the annual ingathering on Sunday, November 11, 2007. Or, you can mail it to the church in the enclosed envelope. This year, with God's grace, let us continue to build on the good work God has begun in us.

Together in faith,

The Stewardship Ministry Team:
Paul Greene
Rachel Nguyen
Lillian Bailey
Peter DiPippo
Fr. Rich Bardusch+