Dear friends,
Throughout this stewardship season, we are exploring our place "Among the Trees" and the work of a congregation that responds to God's call to faithful action, even amid strife and struggle. Saint John's has served as a great source of support for many during this protracted season of grief and uncertainty, with a dedicated staff that continues creating opportunities for us to connect with God, each other, and the larger community.
In 2021, we increased these connections by developing accessible spaces for all to gather in worship. We deepened our faith through special studies and weekly gatherings for our children, youth, and adults. We expanded our mission outreach by partnering with local organizations that respond to the diverse needs of our neighbors in this community and beyond. Attached to this letter is an illustration that details the many ways our community of faith answers God's call to plant, grow, harvest, and feed. It is your generosity and financial support that make all of this work possible. Thank you.
Below, you will find a link to our Estimate of Giving survey for supporting Saint John's financially in 2022. We encourage you to spend time in prayer and reflection as you make decisions about your stewardship pledge for the coming year. On Sunday, October 17 , we invite you to join us after worship services for a community prayer experience. During this time, we will focus our prayer on planting, growing, harvesting, and feeding through prayer stations and simple practices. This experience is open to all ages and abilities as our community journeys through Stewardship together.
Sunday, October 24 is our Consecration Sunday. We invite you to complete the included Estimate of Giving Card before that date. You may also pledge online at stjohnsaustin.org/stewardship. On Consecration Sunday, we'll gather in worship to dedicate these commitments of financial support for the coming year. We hope you'll join us for this special day either in-person or online.
Ken and I are grateful to raise our family in a community that has been a great source of personal comfort, a home for faith development, a partner in outreach, and the foundation of many deep and abiding friendships. We look forward to seeing how Saint John’s will continue to answer God’s call to plant and grow over the coming weeks and in the year ahead.
Grace and peace,
Tracy Burger
Lay Leader