“Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill” (Matthew 5:13-14).

Loyalty Sunday is November 3rd this year. I invite you to give prayerful consideration to increasing your Stewardship pledge for the coming year. Our theme is: Shining our Light. When we give generously of ourselves we begin to change into the image of God. The transformation that occurs when we realize that we are unconditionally loved by God overflows to others without regret. First give of yourself and then shine your light to others that they may know the risen Christ through your love.

Next week I ask you to volunteer at St. John’s and to invite friends and family to the Harvest Fair on Saturday October 26th from 10:00-4:00. St. John’s has been doing ministry in Huntington for 274 years and we know that what Christ is doing here is vitally important. Our ECW will support Long Island Cares, Helping Hands Mission, Community Food Council, Family Service League, and many other vital local charities. Please participate in any way you can to this important event.

Listen to those who witness about their journeys at St. John’s. The hospitality and love that people feel when they make St. John’s their spiritual home is remarkable. My wife and I give generously because we believe in the ministry of St. John’s and we believe that we can make this community a better place through the love of Jesus Christ.

We need to continue to transform our growing congregation through an experience with the living God to an authentic faith which sends us into the world to be the light of Christ and to be the leaven that transforms the world around us. We will continue our work on racial reconciliation and justice. We need to continually grow our outreach to the poor, the sick, the lonely, the disenfranchised, and the powerless. We are the arms and feet of Jesus Christ to a hurting world.

I give my sincere thanks to everyone that gives of their time, treasure and talent to St. John’s. Your gift allows us to continue 274 years of service to this community and the world. Please drop your pledge card in the plate by November 3rd.

In a time of despair and worry, God offers hope and contentment. In a time of enmity and separation, God offers love and unification. In a time of uncertainty, God offers us eternal life. By the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we know that God’s unending love for us is real and that God’s promises are true. I urge you to see your life as a precious gift from God and to give of your time, talent and treasure accordingly. Let us Shine our Light so that everyone will know the love of God in Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s love,

Fr. Duncan