1 Peter 4:8-10 “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
Dearest ones,
What is Grace? Where do you experience Grace?
God so loves us, and we are called to be the embodiment of that love on earth. God lives in each of us, and God’s love extends out through each of us. So we must be good stewards of the gifts with which we have to serve; gifts of our time, our talent, and our treasure.
Moving our annual stewardship campaign from fall to winter allows us the opportunity to approach our finances a bit differently. In the past a budget has been built around the projected income, including from pledges for the new year made in the fall. This year our church has placed our faith in God’s grace and provision for our needs, building a budget faithful to our calling and mission, and trusting that God will provide through our church community.
As a church, Grace exists as a physical entity with regular financial needs as well as the embodiment of God’s promises to God’s people. One way we embody our faith is in our giving. Pledges help Grace Episcopal Church plan and exist in financially responsible ways. During this season of stewardship we will focus on four major facets of Grace:
- Operations and facilities – Grace has expenses. Our property has upkeep needs that are ongoing and maintenance needs that are pressing. As a community, we relish time in our holy spaces, being tended by clergy and other staff.
- Ministry and Christian formation – As we explore and grow in our faith, Grace provides resources, people, and tools to guide us in that journey. Youth and small groups, children’s classes, and Sunday afternoon seminars provide opportunities for spiritual growth and care.
- Emergency care – Grace is a community of believers who care for one another spiritually and physically. This has always been the case, but over the last year our church has sought to help as many parishioners as possible to shoulder loss and financial burdens caused by wildfires and the pandemic.
- Community outreach – Our commitment to be the embodied love of God goes beyond our church doors and out into the community and the world. We help our neighbors in a variety of ways throughout the Napa Valley and the world.
During this time of stewardship, we are asking you to consider where you experience God’s Grace and how your resources can help expand that Grace in 2022. As you consider your annual giving and pledges, please share with us where you see God’s Grace work through the Grace Community in your life. You can do this by taking a picture of a special space at Grace Church or by sharing a selfie in a space you associate with God’s Grace in your life. Please share your photos online being sure to tag Grace’s Facebook Page. Your pledges and gifts are important to Grace because YOU ARE THE FACE OF GRACE.
Many thanks,
Deep Peace, Blessings,
Reverend Amy Denney-Zuniga Jamie Phillips
Rector, Grace Episcopal Church 2022 Stewardship Leader
You can find out how to submit your pledge information or make a one time gift HERE.
Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
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