Put simply, life is a God-given opportunity to become who we are, to affirm our own true spiritual nature, claim our truth, appropriate and integrate the reality of our being, but most of all, to say “Yes” to the One who calls us the Beloved. - Henri J.M. Nouwen

Life is an opportunity. Life is a journey. A journey to saying “yes” to God who calls us the Beloved. Life is a journey to love; a journey to community; a journey to peace; a journey to generosity.

From the moment we draw our first breath to the moment we have breathed our last, we are both receivers and givers. How we move from takers of everything given to us to sharing what we have is one measure of how we live into saying “yes.”

On our journey to generosity, we learn from parents, family, friends, and church members. We learn through our own experience and from hearing the stories of generous people. The gospel stories of Jesus inform, challenge, and inspire us. Whether it’s the story of the Good Samaritan, the rich young ruler, or Zacchaeus, Jesus invites us into what the journey of generosity looks like.

This fall, the Stewardship Team invites you into that journey. It is not simply a time to consider how much we give to support the mission and ministry of our parish. The journey is about how we live our lives as the Beloved.  Are we generous in our dealings with others? Are we generous when we welcome the stranger? Do we make newcomers feel welcome on Sunday mornings? Are we generous in our forgiveness and in our acceptance of forgiveness?

Our stewardship program begins September 24. We hope you take the next six weeks to  prepare for your response to generosity on Consecration Sunday on October 29. The Rev. Jim Rinehart will be our guest for a single service at 10:30 on that date. Please plan to attend our annual celebratory lunch following the service.