Weekly Clergy Letter from Mother Anne Turner

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD.” (Micah 7:7)

 

This week, I am thinking a good deal about how we invest in our future.  I am thinking about it in the context of our Diocesan Convention, which is gathering as you read this message.  I am thinking about it as I prepare to preach in the wake of this week’s election.

 

But I am most especially thinking about hope as we prepare for our pledge ingathering this Sunday.  At all of our Sunday services, we will take time to bring our pledge cards for the coming year forward–not waiting for the offering plate to come to us, but actively stepping forward in faith.

 

A pledge is many things.  It represents our gratitude to God and commitment to our parish.  But at an even more fundamental level, a pledge is a claim of hope.  We choose to support this parish not only because we are grateful for our past here, but also and perhaps more profoundly because we long for what is yet to come.

 

Our world is shadowed in a profound way by war, poverty, and hatred.  I encourage you to stand for the light in all the ways you can.  One of those ways, I believe, is supporting this place and its ministries–the work of the food pantry, which feeds the hungry; the formation of children, which helps define their character as human beings; the beauty of our worship, which gives balm to the soul.

 

Pledging supports all of these important ministries.  And, very practically, pledging allows your vestry to plan with confidence as they make budget decisions for the coming year. 

 

Come on Sunday and know hope.  Come on Sunday and create hope.

 

Yours in Christ,

Anne+