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Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2, NRSV

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

As we are in the midst of our annual Stewardship Campaign, I am writing to invite you into prayer about the journey you make with our St. John’s congregation – our spiritual home. We are companions for each other as we navigate the ups and downs of our shared lives. It is a walk of love that we make with each other.

Throughout this year, I have been inspired by the ways you accompany each other. I have witnessed the way you care for the sick and shut-ins in our congregation through our various ministries including the Prayer Shawl, HANAH, the thrift shop, and the community garden. I have eaten at the table with you at coffee hour, the parish picnic, our community meals, and potlucks. I have watched as you supported each other when you were struggling or needed a hand or a shoulder. You have also helped me when I needed it.

This is what it means to be in community with each other – this is what walking in love looks like. During these next few weeks, you will hear witness testimonials from various parishioners on what ministries give them meaningful purpose and resolve to walk in love as God’s children.

Here at St. John’s Huntington, we have so many gifts to share, gifts of time, talent, and treasure that we freely give to support our ministry and to do the work of mission in our neighborhoods and communities. Our intention is to serve, not be served by others. We do this not out of a sense that we will get back what we give, but because we are motivated by love. When Paul wrote to his friends in the Church at Ephesus, he reminded them that the very spark of love that founded their community of faith was one of giving. God showed God’s love for humanity by giving us a part of the Divine.

Certainly, this is what we do when we place our gifts on the altar – we bring our whole selves and share the best part of our love and labor. Every gift matters this year, and each gift will be accepted, brought to the altar, and blessed before God and our community. Please mail or bring your pledge card to church and place it in the giving basket on October 27^th or November 3^rd. As you to prayerfully consider what you will share with the Church this year, I invite you to give thanks for the many people who have walked with you in love, supported you in your faith, and shared their gifts with you.

Walking with you in Love, 
Sean Butler, Warden