The Spire Oct 2013 | Page 8

Our Annual Stewardship campaign has begun Vestry members received their stewardship packets at their September 16 meeting. We mailed you yours on or about Friday, September 27. The packet is very simple. It contains a pledge card, a letter with three reasons why you should make a financial commitment to Church of the Resurrection in 2014, and a return envelope for your pledge card. We note that if our average pledge increase this year is 10%, we would, with the spending rule the Vestry adopted in July and staff cuts, be able to balance our 2014 budget. Vestry members officially kicked off our stewardship campaign on Sunday, September 29, by bringing their pledge cards to church with them and placing them on the Altar at the Offertory. We hope that you will mail, bring, or otherwise give your completed pledge card to the church office on or before Sunday, October 20, so that they can be presented at our services on Sunday, October 27. In the meantime, the Stewardship Committee would like for you to read and reflect on the following short meditation. Please share your reflection with us by sending it to Linda Goff at [email protected] and letting her know if we can share your response anonymously with the congregation. You may also place your completed reflection in the offering plate on Sunday, if you prefer. The Worn Pew – A Priceless Treasure I look at the pew. It is well worn with scratches and indents. It creaks when I sit there. The occupants have been mothers and fathers taking care of children, grandparents proudly sitting with their grandchildren, workers worried about keeping a job, those with illnesses worried about recovery, the confused hoping to hear a word from God. Those waiting once a month for food have seen this pew many a time. Everyone who has sat in this pew is a child of God. They have been longing, loving, laughing, crying, wondering, worrying and waiting for God’s answer in the quiet of the empty sanctuary or in the joyous noise of the worship service. Reflection Questions: How has God spoken to me at Resurrection? What do I see as priceless about the Church of the Resurrection? — Linda Goff My Response to the Reflection Questions 8