Faith-Filled Generosity 2020

by John Hammer

First, let me thank all those who have filled out their Giving-Goal Cards (GGC) for next year. There are a lot of you and the campaign is still going strong! Our Dedication Sunday Service on November 22nd celebrated not only those who had already submitted their GGCs, but also those who were still in the process of determining their goals. The Vestry eagerly awaits their submission, so they can begin to set the goals for St. Stephen’s important ministries in 2021. 

Our new way of sharing Mutual Ministries with Fr. Paul Olsson next year presents an exciting prospect with potential for seeing new ways of carrying out our many ministries. Many of these were presented in the Narrative Budget you’ve been hearing about on Zoom through October and November. That, by the way, is posted on the new church website at https://bit.ly/2Vx1N2K. The act of Faith-Filled Generosity which unites the sharing of our time, talents, and financial resources will enable us to perform “together making a unity in the work of service” (Ephesians 4). 

Now it’ll be up to us to discern where our corporate passions lie and how we can best apply our stewardship tools towards meeting them. That’s what stewardship’s all about. Next year’s going to be a banner year and we will come out of it with strong and vibrant programs leading to effective and joyous service as Jesus’ heart and hands in the world. 

As of December 1st, 73 out of our 160 parishioners have set goals totaling $221,554. We still need everyone to set their goals. So, I encourage those who haven’t had the time, please fill out their GGCs so the Vestry can get on with its important task of setting the Church’s budget for 2021.