Greetings to my dear church,

 

It has been quite a year, hasn’t it, since I last wrote a Stewardship letter to you?   We have all been through a lot in this time of so many changes to our lives and changes about how we function as our beloved church.  

Most of us learned the children’s rhyme chanted while forming hands together: ‘I am the church, you are the church….. the church is not a building …. the church is a people.’   As we have come through over a year of not meeting in person as church, and even as we have made the shift to hybrid worship with both live and virtual participation, we are reminded over and over that church is not a building, it is a people – a people of God.   

We have learned to do so many things differently from virtual meetings to hybrid worship to masking for the safety of all, to finding creative ways to greet one another, to staying connected in different – perhaps less easy or comfortable ways.   We have also learned how to continue to support our church both financially and with our presence, when we are unable to pass offering plates hand to hand.    Many, many of you have made the switch to giving virtually or sending your checks to church to ensure we remain financially viable and secure. 

  

And our church has survived, and in many ways has thrived.   Our theme this year for our Fall Stewardship Campaign is “Courageous Church” and I am excited and hopeful for the many ways in which this church can and does embody Courageous Church.  You are strong, resilient, flexible, and willing to change.   You are grateful, generous, compassionate and care deeply for one another and for God.   You are faithful, beloved, and courageous! 

Beginning this coming Sunday, October 10, I encourage you to participate either In-Person or via FB Live worship (or you may access each worship service any time from our church website) as we celebrate our Stewardship in this congregation.  Each Sunday will include a Profiles in Courage Witnessing Steward, a stewardship focused sermon, and an activity for all ages after worship.  

Profiles in Courage:  Keith Rosdahl       

Rev. Robin’s sermon:  ‘Always Something  More to Do’ 

11:15 pm      Courageous Games of Fun and Challenge led by the 

Congregational Life Team. Inside and Out at Church: Snack table, chalk, hopscotch, hula hoops, bubble wands, art projects, word games and much MORE!  

Profiles in Courage:   TBD            Rev. Robin’s sermon: ‘We Come to Serve’ 

12: 30 -4:00 pm Bowling at McPete’s in Big Lake – 4 Lanes reserved. 

Come to play, watch or just visit. 

Profiles in Courage:  Arlo Schultz      

Rev. Robin’s sermon: ‘Take Heart – It’s Your Lucky Day’ 

We will present and dedicate ourselves and our PLEDGES 

of Time/Talent/Treasure during worship. 

12:00pm  Potluck Meal in the Fellowship Hall.  Bring a dish to share.