Stewardship

October 1, 2023

Dear Fellow Servants,

We are the Vitality Team*, a group recently convened by our Rector, Rev. Jody, to brainstorm, to envision, to be creative and energetic as we consider the future of Church of the Servant and contemplate how we can best be church in the ever-changing circumstances of our lives. We have done a lot of reflecting about the mission of Church of the Servant and were energized when we rediscovered some words that were already in plain sight: “We seek, serve and celebrate God and each other in a safe and accepting community.” These words were high-lighted in a whimsical banner created by our youth that hangs in our sanctuary, reminding us to: Seek, Serve, Celebrate!

In the course of our reflection, we became very aware of how abundantly blessed we are as a faith community and the generous ways in which we are already living out this mission. Rev. Jody highlighted many of those ways in her letter to the parish last week. Our name, Church of the Servant, the “servant” being Jesus, speaks powerfully about our identity, who we are fundamentally -- servants who look to “The Servant” to guide us and sustain us in the work of ministry together. We are excited to discover new ways to live into our identity and believe that Church of the Servant is and can continue to be a vibrant and powerful witness to Jesus, the Servant, in our community as we Seek, Serve and Celebrate together now and into the future.

We all have a share in creating an exciting future together. Each of us will better know what we can offer our church community if we take the time to reflect on a question Rev. Jody raised for us as she shapes her upcoming sabbatical. That question is “What makes your heart sing?” What makes your heart sing about Church of the Servant? What makes your heart sing about Jesus, The Servant?

Do you believe that Jesus offers you something of immeasurable value? Have you experienced the love, compassion, forgiveness, acceptance of Jesus in this faith community? Did an experience of offering service in the community through one of our outreach efforts change you? Did you hear Jesus speaking personally to you in a worship service, in a homily preached, or as you approached the altar with open hands to receive Jesus? Did you get a glimpse somewhere in this place into a different dimension of life, something that gave you new meaning and hope? If you did, then maybe your heart is singing God’s song. Maybe your heart really believes that life is good, that God’s dream for us is to be Beloved Community, where the dignity of every person is respected and that we are truly called to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself,” as our baptismal vows proclaim.

We believe there is much about Church of the Servant that makes all of our hearts sing! And the Vitality Team wants to find new ways to share our heart-song with the world around us that desperately needs a new song. To do that, though, we need your energy and commitment, your gifts and talents, and your financial support.

Yes, this is the annual stewardship appeal, and we hope that this year you will enter this time of year differently. You will hear testimonies over the course of the next few weeks from fellow parishioners about what makes their heart sing. As you do, think prayerfully about the gift that Church of the Servant is for you. Is what we have here of immeasurable value for you? If so, does your giving to this church community reflect that?

Ultimately, Christian living, the stewardship of our time, talent and money, is all about where our trust lies. Our belief in God is more than just a profession of faith in a recited creed. Belief means trust, confidence that God who is the source of all life is more than enough for us and is to be served above all else. God offers us life and love, healing and wholeness, reconciliation and peace. God’s grace sustains us even in the darkest moments of our life. And above all, our God is a faithful God on whom we can depend. Does any of that make your heart sing?

Join us as we envision new ways to Seek, Serve and Celebrate. Help us to think BIG about what we can be into the future together. We can only do that with your support. When you review the enclosed pledge card, certainly consider your monetary support. It can make great things happen. But also reflect on other ways that you can contribute to help us better Seek, Serve and Celebrate by your gift of a talent you have or some time you can share.

The Vitality Team is excited about this Stewardship season. We hope that your gifts during this time will reflect your heart song. We need you. We need each other in doing God’s work. As Rev. Jody reminded us in the conclusion to her letter, “It isn’t Church of the Servant without YOU.”

Your Fellow Servants,

The Vitality Team of Church of the Servant

* Jonathan D’Amico, Jody Greenwood, Jerry Hansen, Mark Hellmann, Becky Johnston, Karen Sorenson, John Sosnowski, Vestry Liaison: Larry Cahoon

The following forms are for your responses to “What Makes Your Heart Sing?” and your 2024 Pledge.

• Your response to “What Makes Your Heart Sing?” will be displayed on the windows behind the altar.
• Your pledge card will be held until later in October and then...
• We will celebrate and bless all these gifts on our 51^st anniversary, Sunday, Nov. 5^th.